Multi-department K-9 training enhances capabilities, relations

Staff Sgt. Joshua Reid, 460th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, directs MWD Ares as he searches for training devices April 10, 2013, at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colo. This training was a collaboration between the Front Range Explosive Detection K-9 group and the University of Colorado Denver police department to increase training effectiveness through different training locations, materials and styles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Phillip Houk/Released)

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Multi-department K-9 training enhances capabilities, relations

Rex, 460th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, searches for training devices with his handler, Senior Airman Shane Massie, at a training event with the Front Range Explosive Detection K-9 group April 10, 2013, at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colo. This training included many different regional groups including the 460th SFS, Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department, Denver Sheriff Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Phillip Houk/Released)

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Flash, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office K-9, is rewarded with a toy for successfully finding all training devices April 10, 2013, at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora Colo. Flash is part of the Front Range Explosive Detection K-9 group, which organizes training events to raise the overall effectiveness of K-9 detection units across the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Phillip Houk/Released)

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Multi-department K-9 training enhances capabilities, relations

Published April 18, 2013
By Senior Airman Phillip Houk
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Front Range Explosive Detection K-9 group and 460th Security Forces Squadron military working dog teams ran practice scenarios April 10 at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colo.

The training took place on the medical campus as part of a collaboration with the CU-Denver Campus Police Department.

The 460th SFS, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Denver Sheriff Department, campus police and U.S. Marshals Service members organized to enhance the capabilities of military working dogs protecting the base and local community.

"We each bring something to the table. We each have access to different venues or different places to train, and we each have different connections which allows us to do different training," said Deputy J.J. Smith, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office explosive detection K-9 handler. "If the dog gets familiar with something too often, it becomes a game; and if he knows where (a training device) is each time, in essence, he is just going through the motions."

Multi-department training enhances not only the K-9 teams' skills, but also the relationships amongst the law enforcement departments and their members.

"This training is important to Aurora because it builds a relationship with the community," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Baker, 460th SFS kennel master. "This exposure with the general public lets them know that the resources are there, if needed, to protect the community."