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By Kris Harrell

Butler County Sheriff’s Office K9 handler Paige Howell has been with the department since Nov. 27, 2023. After celebrating his one-year anniversary, he was nominated for this week’s Hero of the Week for his dedication and strong work ethic.

“He’s a dedicated employee; if you need something or need to call out, he’s always willing to work to fill in the gap and I think that deserves to be recognized,” said Butler County Sheriff Danny Bond. “He’s a hard worker; he gets out and does his job. You don’t have to worry about him since he’s out working. He’s out in the community and being seen and that’s what the job is about. We thought he was deserving of this [honor] and we’re proud of him.”

Howell began his work with law enforcement with the corrections facility in Baldwin County, Alabama. After working there for two and a half years, Howell was hired by the Atmore Police Department, where he served for 13 years.

From there, Howell took a break from law enforcement between 2013 and 2015 and came back to work with the East Brewton Police Department.

During that time, Howell became one of the first K9 handlers at the department, raising the money himself to get his first K9, Bruiser. 

“I went to the chief at the time and asked him about a dog, and he approved me to raise the money for the K9, who I still have,” Howell said.  “I just went around to the businesses of East Brewton and told them what we were trying to do, and then we got Bruiser from Dixie K9 in Atmore.” 

Howell then left East Brewton, purchasing Bruiser back from the city. He began working with police departments in Butler County, including Greenville and Georgiana PD. 

Howell became a handler for one of the K9 deputies, Rex — the Belgian Malinois — four months after starting with the Sheriff’s office.

“He’s one of our K9 handlers and does a great job with that; he’s probably one of the only ones that can handle that big joker,” Bond said.  “We’re very fortunate that he decided to work with us”

Rex is a single-purpose dog working mainly with narcotics. During stops, Howell can lead Rex around a vehicle for him to detect any narcotics. 

Howell and Rex are together outside of the office as well, since Rex lives with Howell and his family. He also lives alongside Bruiser. 

“Not many people in law enforcement get to [work with K9s], and it’s a unique thing to get to do,” Howell said. “He’s like one of my kids. [Rex is] part of the family at the house and he’s with me everywhere I go.”