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BPD welcomes new K9 Unit member - "Harko"

Officer Bartley has a new partner. He is a 15 month old Belgian Malinois named Harko. Bartley considered several dogs, some several states away, before settling on Harko. He currently weighs about 65 pounds and is expected to grow to around 75 pounds.

Often, new police service dogs (PSD’s) are adopted already having a few weeks of basic training, but Harko has no training. Despite the lack of training, Bartley, who is also the lead K9 Officer, said he is confident Harko will be a great addition to the Unit, "He started off a little slow during testing but then really got my attention with his bite work. He was very good, he showed great courage and a lot of confidence. He was also willing to go into dark rooms, on slick floors and jump up onto objects. I really had a hard time finding a problem with him."

Officer Bartley will begin training with Harko in March. The first goal is to get Harko drug certified after 5-6 weeks of training. The two will then do 5-6 more weeks of patrol training together before going on patrol. Bartley’s current PSD is Rex. After 6 years of outstanding service, Rex will retire as a member of the Bartley family.

The Unit has four K9 teams. The other teams are Officer Franks and his PSD Spike, Officer Heller and his PSD Zeke, and Officer Gray and his PSD Rico. PSD Zeke is nearing retirement. The Unit is hoping to replace him within the year to year and a half, depending on his health. You can friend the Unit on Facebook and K9 handler Officer Gray is on Twitter.

The purchase and care of the dogs for the K9 Unit is nearly 100% funded by donations. The BPD K9 Unit is especially grateful to the citizens of Bellevue, Flatbed Express, Auto Body Authority, Petland in Omaha, Bellevue Animal Hospital, Twin Creek Animal Hospital, Heartland Animal Hospital, Americas Guardians Motorcycle club, No Frills Supemarket, Bakers Supermarket, A & M Surplus, Code 2 K9 Services, Thrift Shop in Bellevue, and Girl Scouts Brownie Troop 5501.

Photo: Officer Bartley with Harko