In the latest episode of the 56 Podcast, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office takes listeners on a journey through the life and work of Corporal Justin Fineberg, a Boston native turned Florida K-9 unit officer. Fineberg, nicknamed Snooki and Tigger among others, joined PCSO after his color-blindness cut short his prospects up north. A natural with man's best friend, Fineberg has become critical in PCSO's efforts to clamp down on crime in the Floridian county, alongside his K-9 companion, Beau. The podcast episode promises to peel back the curtain on the workings of the K-9 unit, including the unconventional but necessary skill of employing a praise voice for the canine officers.
Known for his expertise in handling some of the most challenging K-9s, Fineberg has not just apprehended offenders, but also shaped new handlers in the delicate art of canine communication. The episode further explores the transition from newcomer to leader in the high-stakes environment of the K-9 unit, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office social media post. Fineberg says he joined PCSO for the snow-free winters but stayed for the thrill of the chase and the camaraderie of his fellow officers – Beau included.
Listeners looking to get a sense of life on the K-9 squad can expect to hear accounts of night patrols in what the podcast describes as the "jungles of Pinellas." Joining Fineberg, they will virtually fish with K-9s, fall down a hole in the darkness, and experience the unexpected side of law enforcement. "When the dog does what he's supposed to, a handler has to give him positive reinforcement by getting goofy and talking in a high-pitched funny way," the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office post elaborates on one of the more light-hearted aspects of the job.
The 56 Podcast episode featuring Corporal Justin Fineberg offers an insider's look at the bond between a K-9 handler and his dog, and the crucial role they play in ensuring the safety of the community. Remarkably, the podcast promises to showcase not just how someone goes from being one of the boys to a true leader but also the lasting imprint that a dedicated officer and his handsome dog Beau can leave on a community, in pursuit of peace.
