Mayor Beth Sweeney introduces K-9 "Magic" to St. Augustine Beach police force

Mayor Beth Sweeney introduced Officer Gill and the police department's new canine, Magic, during a "Mondays with the Mayor" segment. "I'm mayor Beth Sweeney, and we are joined here today with 2 very special guests," Sweeney said, welcoming the officer and the dog.

Officer Gill described Magic as a "2 year old Malinois" who began training in early January and completed six weeks of instruction at Grassroots Canine. "We did 6 weeks at Grassroots Canine," Gill said, adding a thank-you to trainer Mike Nesbeth. Gill said Magic is certified to detect the odors of cocaine HCl, cocaine base, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl but "doesn't do bomb work" and is "not an apprehension patrol canine."

Gill said the dog has been active on patrol for about two weeks. "We've been on the road now for about 2 weeks," Gill said, and described the tracking role: using the dog's scenting ability to find people who have run off or gone missing, "whether that be an adult, a child."

On the handler arrangement, Gill said Magic lives with her handler full time. "She's on the road with me. She's in the back of my patrol truck. As soon as we get home, she interacts with my family," Gill said, describing the 24-hour nature of care for a municipal K-9. Gill encouraged residents who see Magic to greet her when she is not working: "As long as we're not in the middle of working, you're more than welcome to pet her."

Mayor Sweeney welcomed Magic to the force and thanked Officer Gill for taking on the additional responsibility. The segment closed with the mayor inviting viewers to tune in again next week for "Mondays with the Mayor."