Prescott Valley Police K9 teams Officer Cameron Kinsey with Chewy, and Officer Justin Ellison with Kato brought home awards this week after competing in the Desert Dog Police K9 Trials October 22 and 23 at WestWorld in Scottsdale. The event, sponsored by the Arizona Law Enforcement K9 Association (ALECA), brought together more than 70 teams competing in disciplines such as Handler Protection, Obedience, Tactical Challenge, Area Search, Building Search and Narcotics/Explosives Detection. Officer Kinsey and Chewy placed 2nd overall in Building Search, and Officer Ellison and Kato placed third in Building Search. The teams brought home a 3rd place trophy for Top Patrol Agency. The building search is one of the most dangerous tasks a K9 team performs. In the ALECA trial, the K9 teams were judged on the handlers’ tactics, the dog’s ability to search and alert, and how the team took the “suspect” into custody. Some of the other skills judges looked for were the K9’s obedience and ability to follow directions away from the handler; their drive and desire to work for their handler, the K9’s nerve and temperament, officer safety skills and tactics, and the response from the crowd. The event is timed. 

Prescott Valley Police K9 Unit is largely supported through grants and donations. The team of Officer Tanner Presson and “Justice” are the “poster K9s” for the 2022 Aftermath K9 grant contest. The K9 with the most votes before Halloween, October 31st, will win a $2,500 grant for their department. Vote at www.aftermath.com/2021-southwest-k9-voting/ Prescott Valley Police Department can be contacted at (928) 772-9267 for non[1]emergencies, 911 for emergencies. Yavapai Silent witness is 1-800-932-3232. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!