La Plata County K-9 Unit
The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit was established in 1989 and over the past 30 years, eight different dog/handler teams have served La Plata County.
The La Plata County K9 Unit is a specialized unit currently consisting of three K9 teams. The K9 teams are nationally certified through the National Police Canine Association (NPCA).
La Plata County K-9 Teams
Sgt. Matt Webb, Supervisor
Lt. Webb joined the K9 unit in 2014 with his K9 Jimmy. K9 Jimmy retired in 2019. Photo of Jimmy is at the bottom of this page.
K9 Fenix and Handler Deputy Cody Bosick
Deputy Bosick and K9 Fenix joined the K9 unit in February of 2020. K9 Fenix is a two year old
Belgian Malinois trained as a dual purpose patrol canine. K9 Fenix and Deputy Bosick
support the patrol division.
K9 Ozzy and Handler Deputy Cody Hawman
Deputy Hawman and K9 Ozzy joined the K9 unit
in May of 2020. K9 Ozzy is a three year old German Shepherd trained as a dual-purpose patrol canine. K9 Ozzy and Deputy Hawman support the patrol division.
Mission
To serve and protect La Plata County with an ongoing commitment to excellence, professionalism and community partnerships, through the responsible use of highly trained police service dogs.
Goal
The K9 unit strives to develop and maintain highly trained and well-disciplined K-9 teams that are capable of maximum operational efficiency. The K9 Unit will also promote positive and closer relationships between the community and the Department.
Function
K-9 teams are available to respond to assist field operations on a countywide basis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. K-9 teams also assist with emergency service
calls, as well as calls in the everyday operations of a deputy. This includes:
- Track fleeing subjects
- Search for narcotics
- Search for missing people
- Search facilities more efficient, faster and safer
- Deter crime and keep order
- Provide higher level of deputy safety
- Reduce resistance during apprehension
- Public relations (K9 demonstrations)
The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit teams undergo rigorous and specialized training, making an effective team dedicated to your safety and quality of life. Our services included drug detection, outdoor area searches, suspect apprehension, building searches, criminal interdiction, evidence recovery and handler protection. In addition, the K9 Unit plays a vital role in providing support for law enforcement and even our local Schools!
The unit does regular demonstrations for school functions, and other community gatherings. Contact the K9 Coordinator at: k9@lpcgov.org to arrange a demo. Each request will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Funding the K-9 Unit
The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit is proud to be sponsored by the National Police Dog Foundation. This sponsorship is used to raise funds, promote education and awareness for the purchase, training and development of law enforcement K9 Programs. La Plata County Sheriff’s Office is currently seeking and accepting donations to raise the necessary funds to provide needed equipment to the K9 Unit.
The K9 Unit is greatly supplemented through private donations to the National Police Dog Foundation, which are tax deductible. There is no minimum or maximum donation.
No special considerations are offered or expected in return for this donation except that this donation will be used for the sole purpose of funding training, K9 acquisition, equipment and future program requirements.
You can donate to the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit by Check:
Checks Payable to:
National Police Dog Foundation
Memo Line: La Plata County K9 Unit
Checks can be hand delivered or mailed to:
La Plata County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: K9 Unit
283 Girard Street
Durango, CO 81303
La Plata County K9 Unit Retired Canines