Friday was a proud day for the Front Royal Police Department.

On Friday afternoon, Officer Jason Bates, and his new tracking dog, Diesel, graduated from training school.

The pair graduated top in their class, as voted on by fellow classmates and instructors.

Officer Bates and Diesel went through a rigorous 5-week training course, that helped the partners get to know one another and learn tactics that will be used in the field.

The department is proud of the new addition to their staff.

Diesel is considered a "dual purpose" dog, which means he will be able to sniff out drugs, as well as track down suspects and missing persons.