The competition consisted of two parts. Bodhi had to find “hot” locations where drug scents were planted. First was the vehicle portion in which the duo had to sniff out five cars, three of which were blank and the other two loaded. Of the allotted 10 minutes, Bodhi only needed one minute and nine seconds to signal the correct cars. The second component was set up in the same manner, but this time Bodhi searched interior rooms and only needed one minute and 35 seconds of the 10 minutes.

“We didn’t just lightly win. Second place finished 78 seconds behind us,” Pinski said. “By my math, we drove 28 hours for two minutes and 44 seconds.”

Pinski said Bodhi demonstrated exceptional precision, unwavering focus, operational excellence and the elite level of training required to compete among the nation’s top police K-9 teams.

It wasn’t just Bodhi who earned the perfect score. Pinski’s handler skills were also evaluated. One wrong move could’ve compromised their placing in the competition. The in-depth evaluation judges handlers on enthusiasm, attitude, leash control, interpreting alerts, confidence and control.

Submitted Photo K-9 dog, Bohdi, earned his national certification when he scored first place at the USPCA National Detector Trials in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

They started competing in the USPCA Trials in 2023, with their scores typically averaging around 198 points of the possible 200, but Pinski said when they walked out of their competition, he knew they did extremely well.

“I know he always has it, usually I’ll do something foolish to mess us up. He definitely carries the weight and I’m just the dummy behind the leash,” he said.

Bodhi and Pinski have been partners for six years, and Bodhi is the only K-9 for the Ray Police Department and Berthold-Carpio Police Department. Bodhi is a Belgian Malinois, imported from Holland. He was purchased with funds seized from drug dealers.

Pinski said his canine partner has a great temperament and when it’s time to work, Bodhi’s prey drive amps him up. When he’s looking for drugs, he’s hunting.

When the pair clock off, their time together doesn’t end.

“He spends every waking moment with me. It’s great. I get to take my best friend home every night,” Pinski said. “My message is for people selling drugs in the area. If you see Bodhi coming to your stop, you might as well get ready to get in handcuffs.”