Hernando schools introduce contraband-detection K9 team for campus patrols

The Hernando County School Board on Jan. 28 introduced Deputy Eric Berberan of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and Skye, a trained contraband-detection canine, to the district’s school safety program.

Brandon DeRasperis, the district’s director of Safe Schools, and Lieutenant O’Brien described the pair as a new addition to the district’s safety team. "Since January 10th, Deputy Eric Berberan and Skye, a trained contraband canine detection, have been actively patrolling our campuses," DeRasperis said during the presentation.

DeRasperis said both Berberan and Skye completed eight weeks of specialized obedience and detection training before being deployed to schools and that the district received in-house assistance from HCSO Deputy Jernigan during training. He said the team can also respond to high-priority incidents outside regular school patrols and noted an early deployment at Springstead High School the previous week.

Deputy Berberan addressed the board, saying, "We look forward to serving our community, making everyone safe." District leaders said the goal is that successful prevention and deterrence leave no news to report — that incidents are prevented rather than publicized.

The presentation framed the canine team as a partnership between the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the school district. Board members and staff thanked law-enforcement partners and noted the program could expand with county growth.

No formal vote was recorded on the canine team during the presentation. Board members received the update and offered thanks to the sheriff’s office and district safety staff.

The board’s presentation and public remarks placed the canine team introduction in the context of the district’s broader school-safety efforts.