Washington County Sheriff - K-9 Unit

An addition to the Washington Co. Sheriff’s Office is our K-9 Unit comprised of Deputy Chris Killey and our golden lab Gunner.  Although this dog looks like your neighbor’s pet, he is highly trained in drug detection. He is able to respond to virtually any situation and serves on the front line of our drug enforcement efforts.


Have You Met Deputy Gunner?

Deputy Killey and Gunner pose in front of their squad car

The current canine program began in 2009 and continues to be an asset for Washington County. The canine unit is available to any law enforcement agency in Washington County and has participated in patrol and drug unit operations, search warrants, local school searches and other operations. The canine unit has proven to be an invaluable resource for local law enforcement efforts in the county.

In addition to providing services to local agencies in 2015, the canine unit provided assistance to the United States Department of Justice-Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspectors Office, Cedarburg Police Department, Lomira Police Department, and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.  In addition eight school searches were completed at the request of school districts throughout Washington County.

Gunner yawning

The canine unit was deployed 140 times in 2015.  As a result of canine unit activity, 15 subjects were arrested with felony criminal offenses, 4 were arrested with misdemeanor criminal offenses, and 9 were issued ordinance citations.

The canine unit assisted the Washington County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Unit with six directed interdiction assignments which were based upon actionable intelligence of specific vehicles/persons that were highly successful. These directed assignments provided important drug intelligence.  From 2009 to present day the canine unit has assisted with the seizure of over $82,000.00 in currency.

The canine unit was involved in public relations work for the department, making appearances in 2015 with presentations at the Washington County Senior Center, Cedar Community, and PetCo Store’s Animal Adoption Program. The team also assisted a David’s Star School student with their “Teddy Bear Project.”  While they are on patrol, the daily contact of the canine team with citizens has been very positive from a public relations standpoint.

Gunner sitting at attention

This dog is totally dedicated to drug detection. He is not used for any other searches or crimes. This is better for the training and health of a service dog. The dog stays with Deputy Killey 24/7 and has ongoing training and play sessions throughout his day.

As a team the canine unit continues to successfully complete annual third-party blind certification testing.  This is conducted to provide assurance in the courtroom that our canine unit is accurate and reliable. 

It should be noted that in many cases, the mere presence of the canine at the scene has resulted in subjects admitting their involvement in drug activity and has also resulted in consent to search being granted by the suspect.

Even our trained service dog, Gunner, needs a break now and then. Deputy Killey works with Gunner to give him the breaks and exercise he needs to stay fit and alert.

 


 

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