Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Cherokee Nation
Marshal Brett Mull
and his partner Ringo were recently named
the Oklahoma K-9
Team of the Year.

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The furriest member of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service team recently earned the state’s highest honor. Canine Officer Ringo and his handler, Brett Mull, were recently named the 2004 Oklahoma K-9 Team of the Year by the Association of Oklahoma Narcotic Enforcers (A-ONE).

"My job is an honor anyway and to be selected K-9 team of the year is more than I ever expected," Mull said. "Working for the (Cherokee Nation) Marshal Service is an honor and to be a canine handler makes it better."

Mull and Ringo were paired together three years ago. The two underwent training on how to work together as a team and have been inseparable ever since. Ringo is a Belgian Shepherd and was specially-bred to detect narcotics in a law enforcement capacity. Ringo had to compete against two other dogs that had each earned honors in their respective regions of the state for the state’s top award.

"Everybody thinks their dog is the greatest and I’m one of them," Mull said. "He was God-sent to me and the Cherokee Nation should be proud of the work he does."

Ringo is responsible for alerting officers to the presence of narcotics 80 times over the past year. His alerts have led to 64 arrests and uncovered marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and illegal mushrooms. He also assists in manhunts and visits area schools to do presentations on drug awareness.

"Ringo and Brett are assets to the community," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "With our cross-deputization agreements with local law enforcement, we can provide their services almost anywhere they are needed in the Cherokee Nation, and we are very proud of their accomplishments."

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org