‘I’m truly so thankful’: Myrtle Beach Police Department promotes first female K9 officer

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The Myrtle Beach Police Department has been around since 1938. In all that time, there has never been a female K9 officer--until now.

Patrolman First Class Hannah Land is only 23 years old, but around two months ago she landed her dream job.

“It’s an honor, I’m truly so thankful,” said Land. “I’m a big dog person, but on top of that, just the idea of being able to go to work every single day with your four-legged friend that has way more capabilities than we have as far as scent is just super interesting and cool to me.”

But, she said it took and still takes a lot of training. After getting the position, she had to go through a physical course and a six-week program in Pennsylvania to learn how to work with her K9, Goose.

“You take on the responsibility of also caring and providing for your dog, so you’re not just worrying about yourself anymore,” said Land. “You’re also worrying about your dog, handling your dog on the leash, working through that and different things that usually you’re not used to working with.”

Now, Goose goes everywhere with Land. She said Goose is a full patrol dog, meaning he is trained for scent tracking, narcotics calls, article searching, and more.

“So far, just within these few weeks of being back and actually being able to go out there on the road, we’re still learning and training and learning different ways of how to work with one another,” said Land.

Land said she isn’t sure why more women haven’t been interested in the role, but she said it is possible for anyone who has the drive and commitment.

“Going forward in the future, I think anybody can put their mind to it and accomplish it,” said Land.

Land said since she is only a few months into her role, she and Goose are still learning and training every day.

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