SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – From searching for drugs to helping find criminals, K-9’s at the Sioux Falls Police Department have a unique ability while working the streets.
The Sioux Falls Police Department’s K-9 unit is a small but mighty group that has the opportunity to work alongside a furry companion. K-9 officer Grant VanVoorst has been a handler for over a decade, and currently has Hugo by his side during the workday.
“It’s awesome knowing that you have a partner with you at all times and a partner that’s not going to hesitate,” VanVoorst said. “These dogs can’t think like a human, so they don’t perceive the threat. So they’re always going to have your back, which is awesome to have.”
Hugo is VanVoorst’s fourth K-9 and says the unit looks for officers who display self-motivation. Part of that reason is because of all the training sessions the K-9s will undergo.
“Per state standards, we have to train 16 hours for each discipline. So, since they have two disciplines and we have to train 16 hours in each. One per month and we have to basically do that until the dog retires,” VanVoorst said.
Hugo is the only German Shepherd at the SFPD as most of the dogs are Belgian Malinois.
Cory Myers is the newest K-9 officer and says he’s learned a lot since being paired with his K-9, Nico.
“He just turned one in March so he’s still very much a puppy. And so that’s been a challenge in and of itself,” Myers said.
Nico is certified in narcotics and is currently training for his patrol certification as the duo continues to learn how to work together.
“Just as much as he’s learning stuff, I’m learning things too. I’ve even noticed throughout the training process he may catch on to something even before I do. And so getting to kind of walk hand-in-hand together in that regard is really rewarding,” Myers said.
Mandy Fox has been a K-9 officer for three years and spends the majority of her day with her K-9 Rex.
“We do a lot of building searches, evidence searches, tracking of criminals and stuff like that,” Fox said.
Fox says many training hours have been put in behind the scenes so they can serve people more efficiently.
“As much as you train is the result you’re going to get on the street. That’s what prides me because it’s the community you’re helping, it’s your coworkers and it’s yourself so that’s why the training is huge,. ” Fox said.
Fox says one unique thing about being in the K-9 unit is witnessing the progress each dog makes throughout their span of service.
“Just seeing what they can learn in that little bit of time. And just from day one to when we got through all the schools, it’s mind-blowing how fast these dogs can learn,” Fox said.
As the K-9s play a big role in assisting officers while protecting the city of Sioux Falls.
“We can utilize these tools to make our job more efficient so we can do it faster. I mean, their noses are huge, we can use them for evidence searches, things to wrap up calls a lot faster. Things to make it safer for officers and as well as the community,” Fox said.
Myers who became a part of the K-9 unit this year says although it’s hard work, it has been fulfilling.
“I haven’t gotten to work the street a ton with them yet, but now that I’m here, it’s definitely exciting. And I wouldn’t picture myself doing anything else,” Myers said.
