The DeLand Police Department has welcomed a new K-9 to the force. 

Midnight, a black Labrador retriever, is paired with Officer Damon Clark. Midnight will help emergency responders to track missing children and endangered adults in the DeLand area. In addition to tracking missing persons, Midnight is also trained to detect various narcotics. Midnight will also participate in several community engagement events, such as at local schools and community events. Midnight was acquired from Central Florida K-9 in Eustis, FL, who assisted in his training. Midnight joins Lancelot, a yellow Labrador retriever assigned to Sgt. Chalen Godwin, as the second K-9 in our ranks.

Officer Clark has worked for the DeLand Police Department for over a year. Prior to his career in law enforcement, Ofc. Clark served in the U.S. Marine Corps on several special operations units.

On Monday, January 7, Midnight was introduced to the DeLand City Commission meeting.

Additionally, Richard “Rock” Galloway and Samantha Freeman from Central Florida K-9 were presented with plaques of appreciation for their expertise and assistance in training our new K-9.

“Central Florida K-9 has become an indispensable asset to the DeLand Police Department,” said Godwin, who is in charge of the DeLand PD K-9 Unit.

Police Chief Jason Umberger thanked Central Florida K-9 for their help in getting Midnight trained and ready to serve. He said he is hopeful that in the near future the department will be able to add a third K-9 to fill out the unit.