K-9 Unit Home Page
K-9 PhotosThe Gilbert Police Department K-9 Unit was started in 1993 with a grant from the Criminal Justice Enhancement Fund (CJEF). The goal of the program at the time was to reduce Gilbert's escalating trend of street crimes and drug use. CJEF funds were accepted to purchase a narcotic detection / patrol K-9. The first canine member of the Gilbert Police Department was a German Shepherd named Cosmo.
Since its inception in 1993, eight different canines have served the Gilbert Police Department: Cosmo (German Shepherd: 1993-1999); Kimbo (Belgian Malinois: 1998-2004); Otto (Belgian Malinois - 1999-2005); Barca (Belgian Malinois 2003-2009); Seiko (Belgian Malinois: 2004-2009); Mike (Belgian Malinois 2005-present); Chucky (Dutch Shepherd: 2008-present); Zorro (Dutch Shepherd: 2009-present).
The Gilbert Police Department K-9 unit of today is still focused on the goals that started the program - to combat street crimes and drug use. The Department now has three K-9 teams and 7-day-a-week, nighttime coverage. Officers T. Johnson, G. Thomas, and B. Lavis each handle a canines trained in detection and numerous patrol functions. The dogs help make our officers safer and more efficient in their jobs. The canines live at home with their handlers and go to work in specially outfitted patrol cars assigned to their human partners. While the dogs do all their work for free, the Department pays their food bill and makes sure they get the best healthcare!
Officer T. Johnson and K-9 Zorro
Zorro is a Dutch Shepherd imported from eastern Holland in July 2009. During his youth, Zorro distinguished himself in a Dutch dog sport called KNPV, which is roughly translated as Royal Dutch Police Dog Association. In these competitions the dogs are run through a series of police dog related tests, which include obedience, agility and suspect apprehension. Zorro underwent six weeks of training at the Gilbert Police Department where he was trained in narcotics detection and brushed up on his patrol dog skills. View more photos of Zorro
Officer B. Lavis and Mike
K-9 Mike is a Belgian Malinois imported from eastern Holland in May 2005. During his youth, Mike distinguished himself in a Dutch dog sport called KNPV, which is roughly translated as Royal Dutch Police Dog Association. In these competitions the dogs are run through a series of police dog related tests, which include obedience, agility and suspect apprehension. Mike underwent six weeks of training at the Gilbert Police Department where he was trained in narcotics detection and brushed up on his patrol dog skills. View more photos of Mike
Officer G. Thomas and K-9 Chucky
K-9 Chucky is a Dutch Shepherd imported from eastern Holland in May 2008. During his youth, Chucky distinguished himself in a Dutch dog sport called KNPV, which is roughly translated as Royal Dutch Police Dog Association. In these competitions the dogs are run through a series of police dog related tests, which include obedience, agility and suspect apprehension. Chucky underwent six weeks of training at the Gilbert Police Department where he was trained in narcotics detection and brushed up on his patrol dog skills. View more photos of Chucky