LA VERGNE, Tenn. – The La Vergne Police Department is proud to recognize Officer Jonathan McCall and K-9 Bora as the city’s newest K-9 team, bringing together two familiar faces from within the department for a role that demands extensive training, trust, and dedication.

McCall, who joined the department nearly three years ago, stepped into the assignment after months of assisting the former K-9 unit with training exercises, tracks, narcotics searches, and community demonstrations. The more he learned, the more certain he became that K-9 work was where he wanted to serve.

“K-9 was something I wanted from the start of my career,” said McCall. “Working alongside the former handlers gave me a real look at what the job required, and it pushed me even further toward the position.”

When the department’s previous handler transferred to a federal agency, McCall began preparing to partner with K-9 Officer Bora — a seasoned, social, and highly skilled police dog who has served La Vergne for several years. To ensure a smooth transition, McCall spent a week riding with the former handler to help Bora adjust before officially taking her home and beginning team-specific training.

“Bora bonded quickly,” he said. “She’s been through multiple handlers, but every dog is different. She adapted to me, my home, and even my two very non-police Golden Doodles.”

Recently, McCall completed an 80-hour K-9 handler school in Jonesboro, Arkansas, focused on essential skills for a fully certified K-9 team, including: advanced obedience, patrol scenarios, building searches, and narcotics detection in unfamiliar.

“It’s a surreal feeling knowing an animal looks to you for answers,” he said. “They’re trained from early on to do this work, but they still wait for your direction. Watching her focus, seeing her work; it’s cool to watch that bond grow.”

As a certified team, Officer McCall and K-9 Bora will assist with:
• Tracking missing or endangered individuals
• Locating discarded or hidden evidence
• Supporting high-risk or evolving incidents
• Conducting narcotics detection
• Enhancing emergency response capability
• Strengthening officer and community safety

McCall emphasized that K-9 work extends far beyond the shift.

“It’s not a job you take off when you clock out,” he said. “She’s my responsibility 24/7; her health, her safety, her wellbeing. She depends on me in every way.”

He also spoke about the value of community interactions, noting Bora’s friendly nature and frequent appearances at public events such as the recent Goblins and Goodies at the Park.

“It matters for people to see that our dogs aren’t just here to find drugs or catch bad guys,” he said. “They’re living, breathing animals with personalities. Community engagement helps people understand them and trust us.”

Police Chief Christopher Moews praised the team’s formation and the work both have already put in.

“The bond between a handler and a K-9 is built on trust, consistency, and shared purpose,” said Chief Moews. “Officer McCall’s commitment to this role has been evident from the start, and Bora is an exceptional partner. Together, they bring tremendous value to our department and our community.”

The City of La Vergne congratulates Officer McCall and K-9 Bora as they begin this new chapter, reinforcing the city’s mission to deliver the highest level of service with integrity, trust, and professionalism.