MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE: Monday, June 15, 2020
CONTACT: Stephany Galbreaith, Public Information Officer- [email protected]
New K9 Officers Join the Meridian Police Department
MERIDIAN- After three (3) months of training, the newest and furriest members of the Meridian Police Department will be recognized during a K9 Academy Graduation Ceremony.
The completed Nampa - Meridian Joint K9 Academy was ten (10) weeks of training, focused on a multitude of techniques and skillsets these K9’s will need for their new career. Handler bonding, scent recognition, obedience, and police canine patrol work are some of the main areas of focus for K9’s to master during the Academy. These K9’s also completed a vast range of scenario-based training to practice their patrol, tracking and searching abilities. All three (3) of Meridian’s new K9’s are dual purpose, ready to join the K9 Unit, with drug detection and apprehension certifications.
- K9 Grizz is a one-and-a-half (1.5) year old Shepherd. Grizz is originally from Europe, and has been eager to work since the day he started his training. Grizz received his name from his ‘bear like‘ features.
- K9 KB is a four (4) year old Belgian Malinois. Also from Europe, KB received titles in the canine sporting arena prior to moving to Meridian. KB is named after late Meridian Councilmember Keith Bird.
"Longtime Councilmember Keith Bird supported the Meridian Police Department in endeavors from prevention and education to enforcement.” Said K9 Lieutenant Stokes, “We can’t thank Keith and his family enough for their support. This is a small token of our appreciation in his honor.”
- K9 Tuso is a two (2) year old Belgian Malinois. The purchase and training of K9 Tuso was made possible by a monetary donation from the Tuso Family. Meridian resident Jon Tuso contacted the department earlier this year and wanted to make the donation in memory of his late wife, a long time animal and dog lover.
“This donation not only helps keep our community safe,” Said K9 Handler Young, “K9 Tuso will help keep our officers safe, which is an incredible gift to us and our families.”
The Meridian Police Department will also be celebrating the retirement of two (2) Meridian K9’s. This retirement ceremony will recognize the K9’s commitment to preserving, maintaining, and improving the safety of all those residing in Meridian, as well as the broader Meridian community.
- After eight (8) years of service, K9 Dory has retired from the Meridian Police Department. This yellow Labrador was a rescue from the Blaine County Human Society and worked hard as a Meridian narcotics detection K9. She liked attending community events and visiting schools across Meridian. K9 Dory will be enjoying retirement with her handler, playing fetch! Congratulations Dory on your retirement, and thank you for your service.
“Dory is enjoying her retirement at home with my family,” said K9 Handler Cushing, “Her routine includes sleeping as much as she wants, eating and when she has the energy, chasing countless tennis balls.”
- K9 Randy, a Belgian Malinois, has retired from the department after four years of service. Randy was born January 2014 in the Netherlands and trained in narcotic detection and patrol applications. He served Meridian during traffic stops, tracking and apprehension. K9 Randy and his handler, Meridian Officer Lee, will be recognized for their retirement from the Meridian K9 Unit.
“Randy and I are both transitioning to new endeavors.” Said Meridian Officer Lee, “Randy is part of the family at home, enjoying just being a dog, while I am now excited to be part of the Meridian Traffic Unit.”
Media is invited to attend the K9 Graduation and Retirement Ceremony, June 18
th, 1:00-2:00PM at the Meridian Public Safety Training Center (1223 East Watertower Lane, Meridian Idaho). The ceremony will be held in the open field, where social distancing and hand sanitizer will be available. On camera interviews with the K9’s, handlers, Bird family, and Tuso family will be available upon request. All interested media are asked to coordinate with Public Safety PIO, Stephany Galbreaith at
[email protected] or 208-830-8100.
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 118 police officers and 33 civilian staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
