Master Deputy Todd Bailey, who joined the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in 1987, has a partner unlike most of the other officers on the force. Dino does whatever Bailey orders and “doesn’t talk back.” He also is quite hairy. That’s because Bailey’s partner is a German shepherd. “Dogs are easier to work with than people,” Bailey joked. In 2006 the NAPWDA named Bailey national trainer of the year in recognition of his committed and passionate work, and in November he successfully completed an exam, interview and hundreds of training hours to achieve master trainer status.

Why did you become an officer?