Patrol K-9 Team
Investigator William Rice & K-9 Jax |
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Dates of Service |
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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. Versatile and highly intelligent, the Belgian Malinois excels at a variety of talents, including police work such as, narcotics and bomb detection, protection, and search and rescue.
Jax and his veteran handler, Investigator William Rice, attended the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) K-9 Academy at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas on August 4, 2014. The CBP K-9 Program—considered to be the most challenging canine certification course in the nation—consisted of multiple real world scenarios that a narcotics detection team may encounter in the field of law enforcement. On September 20, 2014, Jax and Investigator Rice successfully completed the two hundred and eighty (280) hour course, receiving their Border Patrol Certification.
Jax and Investigator Rice maintain their narcotics detection certification by attending 16 hours of maintenance training per month conducted by Yuma Sector Border Patrol K-9 instructors.
Investigator Rice and Jax are assigned to the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force (YCNTF) and are an integral part of their mission to improve the quality of life for all residents of Yuma County.
Investigator William Rice began his career with the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office on November 5, 2007 as a Detention Officer. In 2008, Rice was assigned as the new K-9 Unit for the Yuma County Detention Center and was partnered with K-9 Paris (Retired).
On May 21, 2010, Rice completed a vigorous nine month Law Enforcement Training Academy at Arizona Western College to become a Certified Peace Officer in the state of Arizona.
Retirement
On December 31, 2020, K-9 Jax retired after 6 years of dedicated and exemplary service as a member of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.
Investigator William Rice and Jax were assigned to the Yuma County Narcotics Task Force. During their tenure as a K-9 team, Investigator Rice and Jax were responsible for the seizure of 1,614.16 pounds of Methamphetamine; 570.82 pounds of Marijuana; 15.27 pounds of Marijuana Concentrates; 73 Marijuana Plants; 134.87 pounds of Cocaine; 8.16 lbs. of Fentanyl; 37,045 M30 pills (Fentanyl); 5.11 pounds of Heroin; 22 grams of LSD; and $562,240.42 dollars in U.S. Currency.
In retirement, Jax continues to reside with his handler, Investigator Rice, and his family. He is currently enjoying his time off with lots of treats and extra loving hands every day.
Click link for K-9 Unit statistics: Investigator W. Rice & Jax - Statistics
