Mower County Deputy Jeff Ellis and his apprehension and narcotics dog, Tazer, have won the United States Police Canine Academy Region 12 canine trials.

The competition was held Tuesday in Fairmont, for a region which consists of most of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and parts of Wisconsin.

Ellis and Tazer, a Belgian Malinois, competed against 60 dogs to win the first place overall certification and they also won the "Rookie Dog/Rookie Handler" category.

The competition consisted of several drills, including obedience, agility, apprehension drills, suspect and article searches.

Ellis said he enjoys taking part in competitions and that "Tazer has the energy and dogs will do well in these as long as … they are having fun. That's what we did yesterday. He thought he was playing."

Tazer has worked with the Mower County Sheriff's Department for the past six months. Ellis has worked with the department as a dog handler for the past three years, two of which were spent with Cleo, the department's narcotics dog.

Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com