Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010
BSPD introduces new K-9 unit
Emily Jarrett, Journal Staff
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The Blue Springs Police Department will have a new officer join its ranks soon – Bandit a 21-month-old German Shepherd.
“Right now we have one K-9 unit. With Bandit we’ll be able to have two, which will allow a K-9 unit on duty at all times,” said Sgt. Don Rapp, in charge of the K-9 program.
Bandit was born in the United States but has European import lines, Rapp said. Currently, he’s living at Von Henger Kennels, in Kingsville.
“Originally, Bandit was a pet so he didn’t grow up, so to speak, with K-9 handler training,” Rapp said. “He’s incredibly smart and according to his trainer at the kennel, he’s a natural at narcotics detection. He’ll need another three months of training at the kennel, then he’ll be transported here and undergo another month of a handler’s course.”
Bandit’s handler and partner will be BSPD officer Weston Kendal.
“Weston hasn’t been with the police department very long, only about a year and a half, but he has had extensive K-9 training and handling in the past,” Rapp said.
Kendal is a seven year U.S. Air Force veteran and was a K-9 handler with the Air Force.
“We had a few applicants, but Weston was the best,” Rapp said. “He and Bandit will start their handler’s course at the end of September and start officially working in mid-November.”
Bandit will be a dual purpose K-9 officer, meaning he will be used for narcotics detection and handler/patrol protection.
“Bandit will also be able to do building and article searches and track lost people,” Rapp added. “Urich (the BSPD’s current K-9) can find a dime in the middle of a baseball field because his senses are so unbelievable. Urich has also tracked an Alzheimer’s patient who wandered away. To have two dogs on the force will be an incredible asset.”
But the BSPD could not have gained their new asset in Bandit without a donation that was recently given to them from the Blue Springs Rotary Club. A few weeks ago, the club donated $15,000 to the cost of purchasing a new K-9.
“It’s quite expensive for a new K-9 unit,” Rapp said. “Just to buy the dog – because we need a very specific breed and temperament – was $3,500. Then the handler course and outfitting the patrol car they’ll use, everything adds up.”
Rapp estimated the total cost to be around $35,000, with a large part of the money going toward the new patrol car Bandit and Kendal will use.
“These cars are more than just an average patrol car,” Rapp explained. “They have a cage for the dog in the back and the officer will also have a special button on a key ring that automatically opens the door to the cage – should he be attacked and need Bandit’s help. The car will also have temperature control. If it gets too hot while the dog is in the car, automatic controls will sense when the temperature goes above, or below in wintertime, a certain degree. Then the car will start, allowing fans to blow on the dog.”
In the meantime, Bandit will continue to practice obedience and detection.
“You can’t work one K-9 unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Rapp said. “When Bandit is ready and finished with his training, we’ll be able to have a K-9 unit on duty every day, instead of just half the time. This is a great asset to the police department but more so for community safety.”
To reach Journal reporter Emily Jarrett, call 816-282-7018 or e-mail ejarrett@ bluespringsjournal.com.
