DELAWARE STATE POLICE CANINE UNIT
Cpl./3 Joseph Gardner
In 2008, the Delaware State Police Canine Training Unit staffing consisted of Cpl/3 Joseph M. Gardner and Cpl/2 Mark W. Windsor. This unit is responsible for basic training of new explosive, narcotics and patrol K-9 teams throughout the year. Additionally, the trainers conduct monthly update and annual recertification of 31 DSP teams and 12 teams representing municipal agencies throughout the state. The trainers are responsible for testing of all K-9s that are accepted into the state police K-9 training program as well as the selection of the K-9 handlers.
In 2008, the K-9 Unit trained a Spring Explosive Detection Class which consisted of:
- Cpl. Matt Blakeman / K-9 Turbo, Troop 7
- Cpl. Bill Bant / K-9 Britt, Troop 4
- Cpl. Greg Rash / K-9 Argos, Troop 2
- Cpl. Chris Martin / K-9 Rano, Troop 2
- Cpl. Joe Joannides / K-9 Panna, Troop 1
- Cpl. Jeff Matthews / K-9 Spike, Dover PD
A Fall Patrol Class of three patrol teams and a DSP narcotics team began training in October and graduated on January 14, 2009. This class consisted of:
- Cpl. Mike Cahall / K-9 Jack, Troop 6 (Patrol trained)
- PFC Robert Barrett / K-9 Britt, Dover PD (Patrol trained)
- Cpl. Marty Larue / K-9 Sjors, Newark PD Narcotics & Patrol trained)
- Cpl. Mike Dill / K-9 Jet, Troop 3 GTF, (Narcotics trained)
Several large-scale operations involving multiple canines were undertaken in 2008. The missions involved numerous explosive and patrol teams from the state police and municipal officers trained by DSP. These included numerous explosive sweeps throughout the state, Dover Downs, the State Fair, two NASCAR races, Georgetown Returns Day and continued support of the Northeast Corridor Law Enforcement Coalition.
The K-9 Unit continues to provide a valuable link to the citizens of Delaware in the area of public relations, mass media relations, and recruiting. Handlers conducted various demonstrations throughout the state in 2008. Many demonstrations were conducted at DSP Headquarters and included the Citizens Police Academy and Trooper Youth Week. Additionally, the K-9 Unit participated in over 100 public K-9 demonstrations throughout the state.
The Canine Handlers recorded 87 criminal apprehensions in 2008. These apprehensions directly resulted in 87 felony, 164 misdemeanor, and 59 traffic charges being filed.
A special Thank you is extended to two citizens of Delaware who gave generously to the K-9 unit. Mrs. Judy Doyle of Wilmington, DE and Mrs. Lois Gebrain donated the funds to purchase K-9 Jack and K-9 Jet, respectively.
- Information obtained from 2008 DSP Annual Report -
