VIDEO & GALLERY: Kirkland Police Department Hosts K-9 Training Session

About 17 K-9 units from around the Northwest are taking part in a three-day seminar in Kirkland this week by the Washington State Police Canine Association, and on Tuesday many participated in a seminar for bomb units.

The and Kirkland Police Department co-hosted the seminar, which is taking place through Wednesday at in Redmond and in Kirkland.

John Munson of the Pierce County Sheriff’s office and the WSPCA said participating were K-9 units from as far away as Victoria, B.C. They included units from the Kirkland, Redmond and Bellingham police departments, the King County Sheriff’s office, the Port of Seattle, the federal Department of Energy and the Boeing Co.

“It’s an opportunity for dog handlers from around the state to get together, train together and meet,” he said. “This is actually an all-classroom seminar. We set up a one-day session today for bomb dogs.”

On Tuesday afternoon, the WSPCA set up a demonstration for the media, with Bellingham police officer Shan Hanon and his Belgian Malinois shepherd Celina performing a mock search of a plywood structure.

Led and prompted by Hanon, Celina probed several holes in the structure with her nose, finally locating the target scent and adopting a point-like position known as  “conditioned freeze response.”

Sgt. Rob Saloum of the Kirkland Police Department said K-9 units provide essential search and patrol functions. The Kirkland K-9 unit, officer Jeff Trombley and his German shepherd Max, is trained for narcotics detection and patrol.

“They’re very effective and invaluable to patrol,” said Saloum. “When we do searches, they’re the ones we prefer to send in. Our handlers have been very productive.

“When they do a search and the suspect doesn’t respond to the officer, he’ll release the dog.”

Munson said the WSPCA includes about 115 member K-9 units, down some this year due to budget issues among the various police and security agencies. The non-for-profit organization conducts training sessions each spring and fall and also provides certification for qualified K-9 units.   

Check out our photo gallery and video here for more on the K-9 training program.