By Sarah Roebuck
Police1
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Capitol Police K-9 unit is being recognized for the service their K-9s provide to public safety.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is honoring the U.S. Capitol Police K-9 unit with the AKC Canine Officer Program Award, the AKC stated in a release.
The AKC Canine Officer program was created to recognize the important work that K-9 officers perform in public service roles for government agencies every day, according to the AKC. This award celebrates the skills and commitment of these four-legged officers and their handlers.
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“We are strongly committed to protecting the heritage and qualities of working dogs, which is a driving force behind the AKC Patriotic Puppy Program – a program to address the shortage of U.S.-sourced detection dogs by providing breeders the opportunity to work closely with experts on raising candidates for explosives detection work,” said Sheila Goffe, vice president of AKC government relations. “The duties performed by the USCP K-9 Unit are vital to the safety of our nation, and we are extremely proud that five AKC Patriotic Puppy graduates are serving in the USCP! We are thrilled to honor these highly trained detection dogs and their handlers.”
For more than 50 years, the USCP K-9 Unit has helped ensure the safety of Congress 24/7, the president during State of the Union addresses and inaugurations, and visiting world leaders. On special occasions, like the concerts held on July 4, Memorial Day and Labor Day, these teams play a key role in securing the Capitol Grounds. To this day, the United States Capitol Police K-9 Unit remains a leading federal agency in explosive detection, according to the AKC.
To nominate a K-9 officer for AKC’s award, click here.
