Attala County K9 unit will be out of service for about six weeks while K9 Victor’s new handler is trained
Scott Walters, who has served as the K9 officer of the Attala County Sheriff’s Department for nearly seven years, has confirmed rumors that he was fired by the department on September 27.
Walters said he agreed to discuss the termination only because he wanted to be able to address many rumors going around since his departure from the department.
“The reason I feel the need to address the rumors is that I’m running for office. I have an election Nov. 5. There are some false rumors going around about the termination. I will defend my character and my ethics,” said Walters when contacted by The Star-Herald. “I don’t understand it or come close to agreeing with it, but he (Tim Nail) is the Sheriff. It was his choice to make and his to live with.”
Walters, a Democrat running against Republican Brad Stanley for the Constable-East position in the Nov. 5 election, said that if elected, he will be devoted to the position full-time.
“If I am elected, I am confident in my abilities as a law enforcement officer. With the experience I have had and my knowledge of our court system, I will be able to handle all the duties of office in a professional and ethical manner,” he said.
When contacted for comment, Sheriff Tim Nail said he is not permitted to discuss personnel issues publicly.
“What happens here, as far as personnel goes, stays here,” Nail told The Star-Herald. “I hope the best for him and his family.”
Nail noted that Walters’ departure is the first turnover the department has had in four or five years, other than a single deputy who left to join the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
K9 Victor is now being housed with another deputy Nail believes will likely be the next K9 Deputy. After three weeks of bonding, that deputy will undergo three weeks of training with Victor before the unit is put back in service.
Nail said he is looking forward to having the unit back on the street.
“Victor is doing really well. He’s bonding with the likely new officer and people can expect Victor to be back on the road working in about six weeks,” said Nail.
