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.
Sergeant Ruelle and Aisha are assigned to the Yuma County 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.
In February 2018, Ruelle was promoted to Corporal and in January 2021, promoted to Sergeant.
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.
