VPI’s K-9 Unit Spotlight: Prescott Valley Police Department
We’ve written a lot on this blog about the different dangers our pets encounter. But when your dog’s job consists of sniffing out explosives and drugs, tracking criminals, and apprehending dangerous suspects, those dangers are multiplied. Such is the case for police dogs. These beautiful and powerful animals work tirelessly to help protect the public and VPI is proud to help protect the dogs by insuring more than 60 police K-9 units across the United States and providing a 5% discount to military, police, firefighters, and other sworn officers.
One police department that insures its dogs with VPI is Prescott Valley—located roughly 85 miles north of Phoenix, Arizona. The Prescott Valley Police Department currently consists of three K-9 units:
- Joey (handled by Officer Paul Hines) a Belgian Malenois dual-certified in drug detection and patrol functions. After almost five of yearson the force, Joey will be retiring later this year
- Bojar (handled by Officer Kevin O’Hagan) a Czech Shepard that is also certified in explosives detection
- Ike (handled by Officer Dave McNally) also a Belgian Malenois, he is dual-certified in drug detection and patrol functions
These dogs all live with their handlers and were chosen based on their good temperament and strong drive to do their job without quitting. The Prescott Valley K-9 units are friendly dogs that interact directly with the public. They visit local schools, attend functions, and put on demonstrations to help educate the public on police dogs and change any fears or negative perceptions people might have of them.
The department recently purchased a 15-month old German shepherd from the Amsterdam to take over for Joey when he retires (most police dogs come from Europe and are trained from birth for law enforcement). The local 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students are having a competition to name the dog after he visits them at their school this month. Students will then submit a name for the dog, along with a paragraph about why they like the name. The police department will select a winner and present them with a plaque and a prize at an assembly at the school.
According to Sergeant Art Askew, Criminal Investigations Section Supervisor, the new dog will spend eight weeks training before he starts, and will spend a lot of that time working alongside his predecessor, Joey, who will help train the new dog and be his mentor.
As for Joey, when he retires he will be bought by Officer Hines from the city for $1 and enjoy the rest of his life relaxing. All Prescott Valley K-9 units will continue to be insured by VPI after they retire thanks to a grant from the Y avapai County Community Foundation that helps support law enforcement canines. This helps offset any veterinary bills the officers might have after they take ownership of the dog.
While on duty, these dogs are on the front line of law enforcement. Joey recently apprehended a suspect after he fought with police and ran into a nearby wooded area. Joey and his handler Officer Hines were brought in and Joey flushed the suspect out of a field and was able to apprehend him.
Bojar, who is trained in explosives detection, was also recently was called in to sweep a house connected to a shooting. Bojar was able to go in and make sure the house did not have any explosives inside and was safe for officers to enter.
The K-9 units have also been instrumental in a number of drug seizures. These busts usually include drugs, money, guns, vehicles, etc. and the proceeds of which can be put back toward fighting drugs and crime.
Being such important assets to the department means the health of the dogs is a top priority. Sergeant Askew says that having the dogs insured is imperative and it gives the handlers peace of mind in case the dog becomes sick or is injured that it will receive the best treatment without worrying about the costs that might be involved.
Nationwide® pet insurance
Take care of them when it matters most.