SAN ANTONIO – Spikes K9 Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and training police dogs nationwide, is currently in San Antonio offering free assistance to 12 officers, 6 SWAT team members, and their K9 units. The focus is on a tactical integration course, enhancing teamwork and readiness for high-risk operations.
The nonprofit has a rich history of working with numerous dogs, providing them with ballistic vests and specialized training. Instructor Steven Stoops, a former police officer and military K9 trainer, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning for these intelligent canines.
Stoops explains, “We carefully select and train dogs, similar to recruiting good police officers: they must possess character, work ethic, and courage. Our goal is to utilize these dogs as strategic assets, not just for physical apprehension but also as detection tools in various scenarios.”
Officer Travis Reich, a veteran of the K-9 unit, shares his passion for working with police dogs, citing his upbringing around hunting dogs as the initial inspiration. With his current partner, Baca, a spirited three-year-old Belgian Malinois, Reich showcases the effectiveness of utilizing dogs in apprehending suspects safely.
Reich emphasizes, “Safety is paramount for both officers and suspects. Dogs play a crucial role in locating individuals without resorting to lethal force, ensuring a more secure apprehension process.”
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