WTOC Salutes Our Heroes: Meet K9 Eereck, the award-winning military working dog protecting presidents and more

HINESVILLE, Ga. (WTOC) — WTOC is saluting our heroes — the men and women in uniform who sacrifice their time and their lives to keep ours safe and free. And sometimes, those heroes aren’t human. Sometimes, they’re four-legged.

A protector with a high-stakes résumé

K9 Eereck has worked some of the most intense security missions out there — including protecting the two most current U.S. presidents and supporting protection details for dignitaries overseas, including in North Korea.

Eereck is more than just a symbol of service. He’s an enhanced patrol and explosive detector dog, trained for high-pressure situations where seconds matter.

From Fort Stewart to Fort Knox

Eereck is currently assigned to the 905th Military Police Detachment at Fort Knox, Kentucky, but his last duty station was Fort Stewart, Georgia. Off duty, there’s one thing that always gets his attention: his ball. On duty, his focus is all business.

“He loves to work and he’s really good at his job.”

That drive and attention to detail helped lead to the recovery of several guns, adding to a growing list of accomplishments.

The 2026 York Award winner

Eereck’s work earned him a major honor: the 2026 York Award — named after K9 York, a scout dog in the Korean War credited with completing 148 combat missions.

But Eereck didn’t earn that recognition alone.

A handler’s bond that runs deep

Staff Sergeant Thomas Dove has been Eereck’s handler for the last six years, after being assigned to him when Eereck was three.

“I was assigned Eereck when he was three years old.”

Dove says he felt called to work in K9 early on — even though it wasn’t easy at first.

“Growing up, I was pretty iffy about being around dogs. I got bit a lot as a kid. So I really wanted to challenge myself when I joined the army… And first day working a dog, got bit. So I learned very, very quick.”

Now, nearly a decade into his career, Dove says the relationship between handler and dog is built on trust — and that trust can be lifesaving.

“It’s important to have a strong bond with all of our dogs… we have to be able to trust the dog, and dog has to trust us too.”

Recognition — and readiness

For his work as Eereck’s handler, Staff Sgt. Dove was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.

“Honestly, I couldn’t believe it.”

Even with awards and recognition, Dove says the reality of today’s world is never far away.

“Anyone of us can be called up to that at a moment’s notice. It’s just when and where.”

Retirement ahead — but family forever

Eereck’s tour of duty is nearing its end.

“Within a year or so… he’s getting up there in his age and my leadership at Fort Knox is all for the retirement as well.”

And when retirement comes, Eereck won’t be going far. Dove says he’ll stay with him.

“Always family.”

A fighter in more ways than one

Eereck is more than just a work dog — he’s also a cancer survivor, making a full recovery after surgery and returning right back to work.

WTOC salutes K9 Eereck and his handler, Staff Sergeant Thomas Dove, for their service and sacrifice.