Stockton K-9 team wins national title in Atlantic City
The competition was held this week at Harrah’s Atlantic City. More than 100 law enforcement agencies from across the country sent K-9 teams to compete.
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Stockton University Police Chief Tracy Stuart and her K-9 partner, Freya, won the explosives detection division at the United States Police Canine Association’s 2026 National Detector Dog Trials with a perfect score.
The competition was held this week at Harrah’s Atlantic City. More than 100 law enforcement agencies from across the country sent K-9 teams to compete.
Stuart and Freya, a 10-year-old golden retriever, previously won a national title in 2022 in Georgia. Stuart also won national titles in 2018 and 2019 with her former K-9 partner, Hemi.
“It doesn’t quite feel real, to be honest,” Stuart said. “Dreams do come true. It’s beautiful to really have that reinforcement of the fact that preparation really does pay off.”
During the competition, teams were tested in odor recognition and in searches of parcels, vehicles and rooms to locate hidden explosives.
Stuart said this could be Freya’s final competition because of her age but said the dog will continue working.
“Her performance is obviously stellar, so she’s still going to be protecting and serving, but competing is different,” Stuart said. “I know Stockton has a good dog to protect and serve this community.”
(Photo Credit: Susan Allen/Stockton University)
