Captain Travis Maze
Sgt. Brian Olson
K-9 Falkos -- Deputy Greg Jansen
K-9 Balko – Deputy Scott Gukich
K-9 Ruben – Deputy Kyle VandeZande
K-9 Butch - Deputy Dylan Agnew
The Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit is the most actively utilized of the specialty units. Besides regular patrol duties, the K-9 unit is often called for assistance by deputies and other agencies, both inside and outside of our county. This may take place due to traffic stops, task force investigations, search warrants, or school and prison searches. The K-9 unit is also used for evidence searches, tracking of suspects or missing persons, building searches, and to prevent escape.
We continue to do many public demonstrations for schools, church groups, and community organizations. These demonstrations allow us to enhance community relations by explaining the workings of the unit, the benefit to the Sheriff’s Office, and the benefits to the citizens of this county. Monetary donations are often received as a result of the demonstrations, and those donations are used for training and equipment, which lessens the burden on the taxpayer.
The handlers and K-9’s go through extensive training every year, and are all certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association. The teams must show a proficiency in obedience, article search, area search, building search, tracking, narcotic detection, and aggression control. The teams also train on their own as a unit at least twice a month, and attend other training sessions throughout the year.
Multiple shows will be held daily, times to be announced. K-9 shows are included in your daily gate admission!