Detention K-9 Program

 
A human-canine officer team is a tried and true law enforcement tool. With their keen eyesight, speed and sense of smell, police dogs can perform some tasks faster and at lower cost than human officers with less risk to officers and the public. With this in mind, the Yuma County Detention Center established its first ever K-9 Unit in August 2001.

The Detention K-9 Program, previously discontinued in 2020, was reinstated in December 2025.

 

Current K-9 Teams


K-9 Kass

Detention Sergeant Thomas Ruelle & K-9 Aisha

Dates of Service: December 2025–present

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...Read more>>

 
 

Past K-9 Teams


K-9 Jax

Investigator William Rice & K-9 Jax

Dates of Service: September 20, 2014–December 31, 2020
End of Watch: December 21, 2025

K-9 Jax is a male Belgian Malinois, born February 17, 2012. The Belgian Malinois is an alert, high-energy breed known for their speed, agility, and their strong desire to work...Read more>>

 
 
K-9 Flora

Deputy Bradley Kopp & K-9 Flora

Dates of Service: August 2014–December 2015

K-9 Flora is a female German Shepherd and was born July 20, 2013 in the Netherlands. Flora and her handler, Deputy Bradley Kopp, attended the U.S. Customs and Border Protection...Read more>>

 
 
K-9 Paris & Deputy William Rice

Deputy William Rice & K-9 Paris

Dates of Service: May 2008–April 30, 2014
End of Watch: June 20,2017

K-9 Paris is a sable and black in color male German Shepherd and was born January 5, 2007. Paris was named after the ancient Athens leader Pericles meaning “Surrounded by Glory” and K9 Paris has...Read more>>

 
 
K-9 Robby

Detention Officer Rogelio Felix & K-9 Robby

Dates of Service: October 2001–2004

Detention Officer James Rochester & K-9 Robby

Dates of Service: 2004–February 17, 2007

Tour of Duty:  5.5 years
End of Watch: Saturday, February 17, 2007

K-9 Robby, a light brown male Belgian Malinois originally from the Netherlands, attended the Basic Service Dog Academy sponsored by Arizona Department...Read more>>

 
 
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