The Evansville Police Department K-9 Unit earned multiple awards at recent United States Police Canine Association Region 5 Patrol Dog trials and Certification events. The trials were held June 2-5 in Mansfield Ohio and June 6-9 in Springfield Illinois.Â
The K-9 teams competed in several events that included agility, obedience, suspect search, evidence search, total search, and criminal apprehension. Each event was scored and awards were given for the top 3 scorers. Each trial location also recognized the top 3 overall teams.Â
In the Mansfield Ohio trials, EPD K-9 Officer Doug Buetel placed 1st out of 20 K-9 teams. EPD K-9 Sergeant Jason Thomas finished in 2nd place overall.Â
Several other Evansville K-9 teams also placed well in the individual events. While the trials are a competition, they also serve as certification events. Teams that successfully complete each portion of the trial are awarded their annual USPCA Patrol Dog 1 certification and return home to serve their community. Â
