Detention K-9 Team
Sergeant Thomas Ruelle & K-9 Aisha |
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Dates of Service |
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K-9 Aisha is a female Groenendael, otherwise known as Belgian Shepherd, from the Slovak Republic, born on October 7, 2019. The Groenendael is an alert, highly intelligent, high-energy and sensitive breed. She always knows what is going on around her and can be very protective and territorial. This breed has a very high prey drive and possesses a high level of trainability.
Aisha was acquired from Adlerhorst and was pre-trained in Yuma by the United States Border Patrol Sector Canine Unit.
Aisha has been teamed up with handler Detention Sergeant Thomas Ruelle as his first working canine. Sergeant Ruelle attended the Canine Center of El Paso at Fort Bliss in EL Paso, Texas with K-9 Aisha for seven weeks of K-9 training. During their training, the team was put through numerous real-world scenarios and challenges that a narcotics detection team may encounter in the field of law enforcement. On December 19, 2025, Aisha and Sergeant Ruelle successfully completed the seven weeks of K-9 training, receiving their Border Patrol Certification.
Aisha and Sergeant Ruelle maintain their narcotics detection certification by attending 16 hours of maintenance training per month administered by Yuma Sector Border Patrol K-9 instructors.
Following K9 Team Aisha’s successful completion of Canine Center of El Paso, TX certification course on December 19, 2025, the team was assigned to the Yuma County Adult Detention Center and will assist in their ongoing mission to detect and deter the presence of narcotics within the facility.
About the K-9 Handler
Sergeant Thomas Ruelle began his career with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office on August 28, 2006, as a Detention Officer. He has dedicated nearly two decades to the field of corrections and public safety, beginning his career just two months after graduating high school. His trajectory is defined by a steady rise through the ranks, earning a promotion to Corporal in 2017 and Sergeant in 2021. Throughout this journey, he has been recognized by his peers and superiors with numerous prestigious accolades, including the Officer of the Year, Special Merit, and Esprit de Corps awards—a testament to his individual performance and his ability to foster a positive, unified professional culture.
Sergeant Ruelle served an extensive tenure on the Respond Identify Subdue Control (RISC) and Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) specialty teams before being appointed CIRT Team Leader in 2021. His expertise in the field extends to the classroom, where he serves as an instructor at the Detention Officer Training Academy, specializing in Riot Control and Cell Extractions. In 2023, he further expanded his instructional repertoire as a certified ASP/Baton Instructor.
Beyond tactical and operational duties, Sergeant Ruelle has worked in every facet of facility management. He found his most rewarding challenge within the Classification Section, where he leveraged his analytical skills to manage the complex logistics of inmate population safety.
Committed to the future of the profession, he has served as an Advisor to the YCSO Explorer Program since 2020, mentoring the next generation of law enforcement leaders. With 20 years of institutional knowledge, he remains a dedicated leader focused on integrity, safety, and the development of his fellow officers.
