The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the addition of Boyka, a new explosive-detection dog, to its K9 Unit. Boyka, a 14-month-old Dutch Shepherd from Poland, has completed rigorous training and certification with his handler, Sgt. Aaron Whitehead, through the Virginia Police Work Dog Association. Together, they form a certified explosive-detection team, ready to serve and protect the Virginia Beach community.
K9 Boyka and his handler operate to detect potential explosive threats in Virginia Beach and the greater Tidewater area, when requested. Trained to locate a wide range of explosive materials, K9 Boyka strengthens the Sheriff’s Office’s capacity to ensure public safety.
“We’re excited to welcome Boyka to our team. His skills and dedication will make a significant impact on our community’s safety,” said Capt. Eric Lanciaux, who oversees the VBSO K9 Unit.
K9 Boyka replaces K9 Gaston, who retired in September 2024 at the age of 8 due to his age and the job’s physical demands. K9 Gaston served for five years and completed approximately 1,635 operational searches. His work included searches at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Norfolk International Airport, Old Dominion University and many other locations. Whitehead, a certified K9 trainer, was also K9 Gaston’s handler.
“Our K9 Unit is instrumental in keeping the Virginia Beach Correctional Center and the Virginia Beach Courthouse safe, as well as other public areas in Hampton Roads,” said Sheriff Rocky Holcomb. “We are proud of our K9s and the jobs they do, and we are happy to have K9 Boyka on board to protect and serve alongside Sgt. Whitehead.”
Please join us in welcoming K9 Boyka to the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office and our VBSO family as he begins his service to our citizens.
The VBSO K9 Unit has two additional K9s. K9 Pablo is a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois trained in drug detection, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines (meth) and ecstasy. His handler is Master Deputy II Anthony Natalzia. K9 Apollo is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois also trained in narcotics detection, including being one of the first dogs in the region trained specifically to detect fentanyl. His handler is Master Deputy Crystal Repass, the VBSO’s first female K9 handler.