K9 Team

Newberg-Dundee Police Department K9 Team

 

The team is currently comprised of two canine handlers and a supervisor. K9 Officers are assigned to the Patrol Division. They are responsible for all of the same duties as the other patrol officers, but have the added duties of responding to K9 related calls and the training/care for their canine partners.

Police canines live with their handlers and are transported to and from work each day in patrol vehicles specialized for K9 work.  These vehicles usually carry additional equipment, training aids, and of course the canine itself.  The K9 teams can be called out from their homes and need to have the necessary equipment with them at all times, including room for their canine partner. 

The K9 Unit was started in 2003 with the purchase of K9 Akay. Akay was retired in July of 2010 due to medical issues. Sadly, Akay passed away October of 2011. Akay was credited with over 50 suspect captures and finding 5 hidden articles of evidentiary value.

In August 2006, with donations from the Newberg School District and a few local businesses, a yellow lab, Charlie, was purchased from Adlerhorst International Incorporated in Riverside California, to start a narcotics dog program. Charlie was retired in April 2013, due to health issues.

In April 2013, K9 Benny joined the team as a narcotics detection dog.  He was certified to detect the odors or heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.  With the legalization of marijuana in 2015, Benny could no longer be used in a patrol setting.  He was donated to the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office to work in the jail.

Senior Officer Schoening's long time K9 partner, Arko, retired in October of 2019.  Arko, a Belgian Shepard from the Czech Republic, joined the department in November of 2010.  Arko obtained his advanced article searching certificate, was responsible for over 50 suspect captures and found 15 items of evidentiary value over his career.

Sergeant Simmons’ K9 partner, a black Labrador named Ruka, is a narcotics detection dog.  She joined the department in May 2015.  Unfortunately, Ruka developed a serious health issue and passed away in September of 2021.  The little lady deployed over 400 times since 2015 and has seized pounds of meth and heroin.  About 100 people have been arrested on cases because of her.

Officer Rapet’s K9 partner is a Belgian Malinois named Sam.  Sam joined the department in 2018 and is a patrol dog.  Officer Rapet and Sam are a hardworking team, responsible for several captures in their career together.

Our most recent K9 addition is a German Shephard named Tango.  Tango is also from the Czech Republic and currently assigned to Ofc. Pilon as a patrol dog.  Tango has already proven himself to be a good police dog and has several captures under his collar already.

NDPD K9 teams attend around 20 hours of monthly maintenance training. They are required to maintain their certifications yearly.  Patrol K9’s must pass multiple tests in obedience, searching and apprehension.  Narcotics K9’s must pass multiple tests including article, vehicle, and room searches. 

NDPD K9 teams are routinely called to assist other agencies in the area including the Oregon State Police, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, Yamhill County Interagency Narcotics Team, and nearby municipal agencies.  In addition to their patrol duties, K9 Teams make regular appearances at community events and visit local schools.

The NDPD K9 team is funded by the police department budget.  This covers the normally expected expenses of each fiscal year.  The K9 team has a history of strong support from citizens and local businesses.  Donations and fundraisers have assisted with maintenance costs like food and vet bills and also obtaining high priced items like K9 trauma kits, ballistic vests, and hand held FLIR units.  Additionally, NDPD K9 Officers have been given permission to train on local properties.  The K9 Team thanks all of its supporters.

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K9 Sam
K9 Tango