K-9 Barny is an ATF Explosives Detection Canine assigned to the Los Angeles Field Division, San Diego Arson/Explosives Group 1, with Special Agent Canine Handler (SACH) Steven Carrico. K-9 Barny’s job is to find explosives, guns and ammunition. He is also an ATF Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 (S.E.E.K.) able to work off leash up to 150 yards away from his handler and detect more than 19,000 combinations of explosive odors. K-9 Barny started his training with the Puppies Behind Bars (link is external) foundation. K-9 Barny started service in June of 2021.

Recent Finds

K-9 Barny’s most recent significant find was in July of 2024 in the city of Chula Vista, California. SACH Carrico and K-9 Barny were requested by Chula Vista Police Department detectives to assist in the search of a firearm utilized in a homicide days earlier. K-9 Barny tirelessly searched approximately 60,000 square feet of open field, riddled with cactus and heavy vegetation. After 45 minutes of searching, K-9 Barny alerted to what appeared to be an improvised shotgun that had been broken down into several pieces. A singular shotgun shell was also discovered nearby.

In February of 2022, K-9 Barny found a firearm that had been discarded by a suspect who was eluding deputies during a foot pursuit in Northern San Diego County. The firearm had gone undiscovered for a week until K-9 Barny alerted deputies to the firearm that had been concealed deep into thick grassy brush near a busy city street.

K-9 Barny had several other significant finds since he was placed in service in June 2021. While assisting with a search warrant in Burbank, California, K-9 Barny alerted investigators to two firearms that were concealed in a “hide away” shelf located above a suspect’s bed. In addition to the two firearms, agents also discovered two large fist-sized bags of methamphetamine. The discovery of these items together led to significant federal charges for the suspect.

K-9 Barny has also helped provide safety and security at several high-profile sporting and entertainment events to include the Super Bowl, MLB All-Star Game, Country Music Awards and the Coachella/Stagecoach Festivals.

In his down time, K-9 Barny enjoys napping and playing with his handler’s kids and family pets. K-9 Barny also likes to play and run in the ocean, chase leaves and chew on his dog toys. K-9 Barny is a great working dog and the best partner for his handler!