Permission to use these articles were graciously given by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

It is with deep sorrow that we share with you all the death of Bomb K9 Jojo. We wanted to give his handler, Detective Brad Phillips, time to grieve and share his own personal words with you in the below heart-felt letter —

"It is with a heavy heart that I write this email about my partner, Jojo. Jojo was a 4-year old sable German Shepherd who was trained in explosive detection and tracking. Jojo and I were a team on the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department (SBSD) in California. San Bernardino is the largest county in the world, covers 23,000 square miles, and is larger than 5 states. Jojo and I were assigned to the Special Enforcement Division which includes SWAT, arson, and bombs. I am a bomb technician.
Jojo and I were a team for the past three years. In my 26 years as a deputy sheriff, I have had many great assignments. However, 3 years ago, my dream came true when I was appointed K-9 handler for the only explosive dog in the department. I was teamed with Jojo, a dog from Vohne Liche Kennels (VLK), and we immediately formed an unbreakable bond. Although we were both very green, we were able to predict each other's thinking. Over the 3 years that we were partners, we were together for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At times we traveled 500 miles to conduct searches but neither Jojo nor I minded because we had each other. We depended on each other for safety, comfort, and companionship.
Jojo was remarkable in that he loved my family and watched after them. He especially took to my 11- year old daughter. We would often go running as a family and when Jojo would see my daughter fall behind, he would run behind her and nudge her to keep up. He instinctively knew to "never leave a man behind".
Jojo was the only explosive dog in San Bernardino County. He did many amazing things in his short life including finding buried and hidden guns, tracking and exposing wanted felons, and identifying explosive devices. His greatest day of valor came on December 2, 2015 when 14 of our county employees were massacred by two attackers determined to cause the greatest possible amount of death and destruction. Jojo searched for over 10 consecutive hours in the parking lots of the site, in the buildings near the massacre, and in the actual room where the people were still lying lifelessly. The conditions in that room were such that no man or dog should ever have to witness, but we did our job and ensured that the room was secured.
When the President came to speak to the families of the December 2nd victims, Jojo cleared the venue in advance. He also searched and cleared a huge arena prior to a visit from Governor Jerry Brown and Mayor Giuliani who also addressed the victims' families. In the wake of the shootings, Jojo and I were deployed for searches 4-5 times per day. Knowing that venues had been cleared by Jojo gave great comfort to the people of this county and helped them to begin to rebuild their confidence that they were safe. Jojo's searches promoted a semblance of normalcy.
Unfortunately, on January 6, 2016 at 11:05 am, my best friend and partner died in the line of duty while searching a warehouse. During the search, Jojo got an object lodged in his throat and choked. I did everything in my power to save him and in the process had my right pinky finger amputated. We are unsure if the doctor will be able to save my finger but it is a small price to pay in an attempt to save my friend's life. I am devastated that I failed.
San Bernardino County is the largest geographical county in the United States; Jojo was the only explosive dog in the County. He was a VLK graduate and he will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,
Brad Phillips, Detective
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
12-2-15, San Bernardino Strong"



October 17, 2014

The Life of an SBSD Dog...

Meet Jojo, the department’s Bomb and Arson Dog. Jojo has dual duties; detecting explosives and tracking, which is a rarity among detection dogs. Jojo is a Sable German Shepherd who is originally from Czechoslovakia. He listens and takes commands in Czech from his handler and bomb technician, Detective Phillips. Detective Phillips learned these commands and is in tune with the most specific details, such as a change in Jojo’s breathing while tracking and/or detecting.

Following an extensive training at Vohne Liche Kennels as a pup, Jojo was ready to work. His abilities to detect and track are invaluable assets to the department, which no human or machine has been able to duplicate. When Jojo tracks he uses his nose, eyes, ears, and even looks at the topography of the ground. After Jojo has detected or tracked his target, he alerts Detective Phillips and is rewarded with his ball as a treat for all of his hard work.

Detective Phillips and Jojo have been partners for over a year and a half and train together on a regular basis. They go out on every call together, and in the words of Jojo’s handler, “I need him just as much as he needs me.” They are a team, a dynamic duo, whose reach extends beyond San Bernardino County, collaborating with agencies such as the FBI, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Palm Springs Police Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Amtrak. Thank you Jojo for your service!

Skills and strengths: Tracking, explosive detection, smart, loyal, durable & driven.

Favorite pastimes: Playing with his friend and Academy dog Bono, toys, & anything he can get his paws on to play with.