The Lane County is getting two new K9 teams

We have good news for you, two K9 teams are ready to hit the road in Lane county. Both teams have been going through the rigorous selection, training and testing process.

The officials have reported:

“EPD’s K9 Kuill is an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois from Slovakia. He was purchased from Adlerhorst International Kennels in Riverside, California. K9 Kuiil was selected after a rigorous testing process over a three-day period.

EPD’s K9 trainers observed and tested more than a dozen dogs but K9 Kuiil was easily the standout choice. K9 Kuiil is partnered with Sgt. Rob Griesel, who heads EPD’s K9 team.

Together they have completed more than 400 hours of training, including 260 hours with regional K9 trainer Dan Kloss. Kuiil has been certified by the Oregon Police Canine Association meeting the standards for a patrol K9.

They completed their 10 weeks of preparation with EPD’s in-house trainer, Officer Michael Casey. K9 Kuiil has proven to be a very effective tracking and searching dog. These skills combined with a socially sweet disposition will make him an excellent asset to EPD’s K9 Team.

EPD appreciates the Eugene Police Foundation for their continued support to the department and unit. LCSO’s K9 Billy is a 3 year old Dutch Shepherd. Billy was originally trained as a K9 with the Army Rangers but was quickly identified as having the skills necessary to serve as a police K9.

Billy was welcomed into the Lane County Sheriff’s Office family shortly thereafter and has been working hard to complete the rigorous training with his handler, Deputy Christopher Gardner.

Together, they have completed the 240 hour certification course as well as 120 hours of training with the Eugene Police Department K9 Teams. Throughout his training, Billy has excelled in building searches which will come in handy when called upon to locate suspects in criminal cases.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s friendly, energetic, and eager to learn! The Lane County Sheriff’s Office K9 Program is largely funded by community donations that help provide food, equipment, and veterinary care for the Sheriff’s Office’s two K9s.”