Deputy Scott Puckett and Sonny When you enter the Richland County Sheriff ’s Department Crossfit gym, you will now find the newest edition to the RCSD team, a four-legged member named Sonny.

Deputy Scott Puckett, Sonny’s “proud papa,” adopted the 50- pound, two-year-old pitbull after he was rescued from a dog fighting ring last September. Puckett who already has a rescue dog named Junior said, “ These dogs find a way to be thankful for the life they have now.”

Deputy Puckett met Sonny when the dog was brought by the gym to see if the two would make a good match. “As soon as Sonny came into the office here at the gym, he was so happy and friendly. I immediately knew he was the dog for me,” said Puckett.

A group of dogs were rescued in September 2011 after a concerned citizen called 9-1-1 to report a dog fighting ring on Campground Road. The dogs were rehabilitated and made available for fostering and adoption. “I was not going to allow those dogs to be killed. I wanted them to have a chance at a happy life,” said Sheriff Leon Lott.

Deputy Puckett said he named the dog Sonny because of his bright and solar energy. He said there was no question he wanted to bring that positive energy to his latest project: the Crossfit program, where he has been assigned to train and support the personnel.

Puckett fell in love with the Crossfit program while serving overseas in Afghanistan. He will be conducting the “Crossfit” training for the department, and Sonny is now the official mascot of the program.

“Sonny’s got a tight physique, so he fits right in with what we are doing here. Sonny brightens peo- ple up and greets people at the door,” said Puckett.

In November 2011, I announced “Crossfit” as the newest addition to the department’s efforts of health and wellness for the deputies who serve our communities. Physical fitness is a key component to healthy lifestyles for our deputies and professionals alike,” said Sheriff Lott.

Crossfit has proven to be a successful holistic fitness program. “I am committed to keeping our deputies physically fit. That is why I require physicals every year, provide health screenings and support, and resources focused on health and wellness.

“I believe Crossfit is applicable to law enforcement because it is specific fitness training that mirrors what the deputies do everyday,” said Sheriff Lott.

Citizens can access important information about crime prevention, free safety training and community resources at www.rcsd.net.

Editor’s note: Presently, the sentence for dog fighting is at the most a $500 fine or 30 days in jail. Please wri te your South Carolina legislators to pass tougher laws for these criminals.