Latest news with #K-9Unit
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘Brown County K-9s are not for sale': Sheriff addresses situation surrounding one of its K-9s
BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) – Brown County Sheriff Todd Delain wrote a letter to the community on Monday, detailing a situation involving the department's K-9 Unit. The letter from Sheriff Delain says that 'considerable misinformation' has been recently shared regarding K-9 Dorian and his handler, and that the situation needs to be updated. Village of Kimberly to explore changing police services, residents invited to listening sessions 'Our K9 Unit and Bomb Squad, which includes Dorian, is critical in explosive detection and suspicious item response here in Brown County, as well as throughout Northeast Wisconsin. I attribute those team's skills, including those of our K-9s, as one of the reasons for our success in knowing that we have safe events in Brown County, including safely hosting the NFL Draft in April which brought in over 600,000 people without any major incidents.' Brown County Sheriff Todd Delain The letter said that while each K-9 is paired with a specifically trained handler, they are not personally owned by them. 'While the bond between a handler and their canine partner is strong, it's important to understand that these are working dogs and are resources of the Brown County Sheriff's Office and you, the taxpayers,' Sheriff Delain's letter said. The letter continued, citing that recent information to K-9 Dorian is 'sick and in pain' and should be retired as 'inaccurate' and 'false.' Sheriff Delain's letter consisted of several bullet-pointed details, explicitly stating that K-9 Dorian's longtime veterinarian examined him on Friday, May 29. According to the letter, the veterinarian said that Dorian was both doing well and that there were no concerns about him 'performing his duties.' The situation arose as K-9 Dorian's handler met with Sheriff Delain on April 17, 2025, when they requested to purchase Dorian or have another organization purchase him so they could still work together at another agency. Sheriff Delain's letter said that the answer was no; however, at no point in the meeting did the handler reportedly indicate any issues with Dorian. The handler did accept a deputy role at another agency starting in June, also that it was clear that K-9 Dorian would remain and transition to a new handler. Sheriff Delain said that upon the handler's decision to accept a position elsewhere, the Brown County Sheriff's Office started planning to transition K-9 Dorian to another handler. 'It is important to know that Brown County has very successfully transitioned K9s from one handler to another numerous times in the past,' Sheriff Delain's letter said. However, multiple attempts from staff to speak with Dorian's handler were allegedly ignored. 'Dorian's handler knowingly failed to contact the supervisor; however, the handler's labor union was helpful and able to work with management to arrange for a mutually agreed upon date and time for Dorian to be picked up from the handler's house.' Brown County Sheriff Todd Delain Furthermore, Sheriff Delain added that they picked up Dorian at the house, however, they were met by a news camera. In addition, Sheriff Delain mentioned that the situation is not so simple, as getting a new police K-9 is complicated. Green Bay Metro Fire Department alerting residents of scam involving fake inspectors 'This is not as simple as accepting money to purchase another K9. The acquisition of a police K-9 involves an extensive selection process and training that takes months to complete to secure all the proper certifications. I owe it to the citizens of Brown County to do what is right for public safety. Brown County K-9s are not for sale, will not be part of a new employment deal, and will always receive the best care and treatment from unbiased professionals. I feel a strong duty to this community where I grew up and have served for nearly 30 years. I want to thank you for your trust in me and in the Brown County Sheriff's Office, I want to thank the many people who reached out to me knowing that there was more to the story. I remain committed to transparency, safety and service to all residents of our community.' Brown County Sheriff Todd Delain No additional information was provided. Local 5 will provide updates as needed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
K-9 Comeback: Arkansas Highway Police revive dog unit after nearly 20 years, already make major drug bust
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – After nearly two decades, the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) and the Arkansas Highway Police have officially revived a program once considered the backbone of their law enforcement efforts. The K-9 Unit is back and making an immediate impact. K9 Hurricane, the most decorated dog in US history, has died The department recently reintroduced two highly trained Belgian Malinois dogs, Mack and Jackie, as part of a newly re-established K-9 team designed for dual purposes: narcotics detection and patrol duties. 'In the 90s and early 2000s, the Arkansas Highway Police was nationally known for our K-9 program,' Arkansas Highway Police Chief Jeff Holmes said. That legacy ended in 2006 when the last generation of dogs retired. But nearly 20 years later, Holmes and his team are rebuilding the program with renewed purpose, and early results are exceeding expectations. 'Within just a few weeks of them being on the streets, Highway Police seized a little over 11,000 pounds of narcotics,' Holmes said. 'They make criminal arrests every day. They make felony arrests. They are getting dangerous people off the highways, which makes it safer for me, you, and everybody else.' K-9 finds missing 85-year-old 'clinging to a tree' in Colorado The new K-9 Unit is more than just a law enforcement tool—it's a symbol of progress. Holmes notes that it's brought a wave of energy and enthusiasm back into the agency. 'It's brought back a lot of excitement in the agency, and it's brought another tool that our officers have out here in assisting other agencies,' he said. But behind the headlines and the heroics lies a demanding training process. The K-9 handlers, Sergeant Zac Emrick and Patrolman First Class Nicholas Murphy, underwent intensive instruction alongside their canine partners. The teams trained together to detect drugs, track suspects, and handle high-pressure situations with precision. 'It was pretty stressful,' Emrick said, recalling the early days of working with his new K-9. 'You're working with a brand-new animal that you don't know. There's no bond there in that moment – you're just trying to build one and work together.' That bond, forged through rigorous daily training and shared mission, is now unbreakable. 'Good positive ending': Bodycam shows K-9 find missing 3-year-old The early success of Mack and Jackie has energized hopes for growth. The department aims to expand the unit by the end of summer, adding three more dogs to the force. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of chucking Yorkie at officer, holding woman hostage in NE ABQ
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways May 7—An Albuquerque police officer was on the receiving end of a tossed Yorkie this week, as a suspect being questioned threw the animal at the officer to get a head start in his attempted getaway. Bobby Chavez, 41, of Albuquerque, is charged with false imprisonment, battery and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer. He is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center. Around 5:30 p.m. Monday, an Albuquerque police officer saw a man — later identified as Chavez — trespassing at the DK gas station in the 3600 block of Candelaria NE, near Carlisle. Chavez, who was holding a Yorkie, was told he was going to be detained and appeared to be searching through his wallet, when he threw the dog at the officer, resulting in an inch-long cut on his hand, according to a criminal complaint filed at Metropolitan Court. Chavez then ran a half-mile and entered a woman's apartment in the 3300 block of Wellesley, where he holed up and wouldn't let the woman leave. The woman was able to leave through the back door, and Chavez surrendered to APD's K-9 Unit. In May 2024, Chavez was charged with two counts of trafficking controlled substances and possession of a firearm by a felon. His trial is scheduled to start in June, according to court records.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Bloodhound joins San Mateo County Sheriff's K-9 Unit
(KRON) — A bloodhound that is specially trained to track and locate missing people is the newest member of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit. Hope is an 18-month-old certified tracking and trailing dog. 'Known for their exceptional sense of smell and ability to follow scent trails, Bloodhounds like Hope are a valuable tool to aid law enforcement in finding lost or missing people,' the sheriff's office said. Hope will work alongside her partner, Deputy Grable Ramirez. Sheriff Christina Corpus said, 'Adding Hope to our team strengthens our ability to respond swiftly and compassionately when a loved one goes missing. Hope reflects our commitment to being proactive and intentional in serving every member of our community. Representing a beacon of hope, her unique skills will be vital in locating missing children, those living with Dementia or Alzheimer's, and individuals with autism who may wander from home.' Hope's arrival fittingly comes during Autism Acceptance Month, a time to spread awareness, support and understanding for people who are on the autism spectrum. In 2024, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office received 170 reports of missing persons. The region's diverse geography, including rugged coastlines, dense forests and urban neighborhoods, presents unique challenges for search efforts. Hope will play a key role in navigating difficult terrain, SMCSO said. World Dog Surfing Championship to return for 2025 Hope will also make appearances at community events, and deputies will document her activities on the bloodhound's own Instagram page 'TrackingK9Hope.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Residence for older adults donates $3,000 to Scranton Police Department's K-9 Unit
SCRANTON — The city Police Department's K-9 Unit visited Wednesday an apartment building for older adults in the city to thank the nonprofit facility for donating $3,000 to the squad. Webster Towers gave the donation to the city, as well as a $3,000 donation to the city Fire Department, last year as a 'payment in lieu of taxes,' also called a PILOT, said Webster Towers manager Pamela Allgood. Webster Towers, an eight-story, senior apartment complex at 500 N. Webster Ave. in the city's Hill Section, is a nonsectarian, nonprofit organization providing housing for older adults and people with mobility disabilities. A few dozen residents gathered in a large room to hear city police officers talk about their K-9 dogs and their training, diets and duties. The residents delighted in seeing the dogs put through some paces by their handlers and getting a chance to interact with the furry friends. The city has five K-9 dogs: Aiden, a 17-month-old Belgian Malinois handled by Officer John Cantafio; Rock, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois handled by Officer Scott Benzeleski; Scout, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois handled by Officer Matthew Grippo; Spike, a 10-year-old Dutch shepherd handled by Officer Kyle Kemp; and Attyro, an 8-year-old German shepherd handled by Officer Robert Stelmak. The dogs stay and live with their handlers. Of the five pairs, Kemp and his dog, Spike, were not able to attend the event at Webster Towers on Wednesday. The city's K-9 force will reduce from five to four dogs when Stelmak retires April 2 because Attyro will retire with Stelmak, he told the crowd. Stelmak began as a police officer with the city Dec. 31, 1993, and has been a K-9 handler since 2003. Over those years, Stelmak has had three police dogs. 'I'm going to miss the job. Working a dog is phenomenal,' Stelmak said. * Scranton's K-9 Unit visited the Webster Towers senior-citizen apartment building in the Hill Section on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Photo shows Scranton Police Officer Robert Stelmak, at right, and his police dog, Attyro, during their visit with residents. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) * Scranton's K-9 Unit visited the Webster Towers senior-citizen apartment building in the Hill Section on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Scranton Police Officer Robert Stelmak, at left, and Officer Scott Benzeleski and his police dog, Rock, during their visit with residents. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) * Scranton's K-9 Unit visited the Webster Towers senior-citizen apartment building in the Hill Section on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Scranton Police Officer John Cantafio and his police dog, Aiden, at right, were among the K-9 handlers and dogs who visited with residents. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) * Scranton's K-9 Unit visited the Webster Towers senior-citizen apartment building in the Hill Section on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Residents enjoyed meeting police dog Attyro during the visit. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 4 Scranton's K-9 Unit visited the Webster Towers senior-citizen apartment building in the Hill Section on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Photo shows Scranton Police Officer Robert Stelmak, at right, and his police dog, Attyro, during their visit with residents. (JIM LOCKWOOD / STAFF PHOTO) Expand
