K-9 Unit

The Warsaw Police Department’s K-9 Unit was started in 1989, with the first K-9 being a 22-month-old German Shepherd named Jimmy. The K-9 Unit expanded in 2006, when WPD received a grant from the K-21 Foundation. Today, WPD enlists the help of three highly-trained police K-9’s. These K-9’s have saved lives and apprehended hundreds of perpetrators.

Dax

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Dax is a Belgian Malinois who joined the department in April of 2013. He is a dual purpose narcotic K-9, which means he is trained to both track and bite. At 95 lbs, he is WPD’s largest K-9. Dax is handled by Cpl. Phil Reed.

Mako

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Like Dax, Mako is a dual-purpose Belgian Malinois. He has been with the department since October of 2013. Mako is used in searches for drugs or dangerous felons. He can reach speeds of up to 30 mph. Mako’s handler is Officer Trent Shively.

Bubka

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WPD’s newest K-9 is an English Cocker Spaniel. He joined the department in June of 2015. He is trained to track both drugs and people, but he is not trained to bite. Instead, his tracking skills are used most when searching for lost children or elderly adults. Bubka is handled by a narcotic detective.

The police K-9s are valuable law enforcement tools and have proven effective in the areas of narcotic detection, 

apprehension of fleeing criminals, tracking, article searches, and officer/handler protection. The K-9's are on call 24 hours a day and provide narcotics detection in local schools as well as local businesses. They also perform numerous demonstrations throughout the year. When the K-9s are off duty, they live with their handlers.


WPD K-9 Hall of Fame

Although they are not currently serving with the department, past K-9s are fondly remembered by WPD’s officers. These are the animals who make up the history of the WPD K-9 Unit:

Jimmy

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Pictured with Handler Bob Long

Breed: German Shepherd

Years of Service: 1989-1997

Hero

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Breed: German Shepherd

Years of Service: 1997-2006

Buddy

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Breed: Belgian Malinois

Years of Service: 2006-2014

Pako

K-9 Pako.jpg

Breed: German Shepherd

Years of Service: 2007-2013