K-9

The Sturgis Police Department began its Canine program in January 2004. The department was given a gracious grant for a K-9 program, and purchased a female Belgian Malinois named Suka. The Malinois is quickly becoming the primary breed for Narcotics Detection among departments nationwide.

The K-9 Drug Unit is the assigned name for Suka and her handler, Officer Adam Martin. Officer Martin and Suka went through extensive training in 2005. They recently completed an 8 week course with the International Congress of Police Service Dogs (ICPSD) in Basic Narcotics Detection in Sioux Falls. The course was conducted by Sergeant Dave Huntimer of the Sioux Falls Police Department, a Certified Instructor with the ICPSD. The completion certified Officer Martin and Suka as a Team with the International Congress of Police Service Dogs. They are required to certify annually with the ICPSD and maintain they're proficiency with weekly training and documentation. Additional tests are also administered by the State of South Dakota Standards and Training Commission.

Taking a role as a handler and caring for a Narcotics Detection dog is extensive, time consuming work both on and off duty. Suka lives at home with Officer Martin, and is a part of his family when they are off duty. However, they must be ready to go to work at any time.

The K-9 Unit plays an important role in our community to keep drugs out of our schools. The Sturgis Police Department K-9 Unit is invited to the Sturgis School District for routine narcotics detection. The K-9 Unit also has a key role in patrolling the city for drug trafficking. With methamphetamine use on the rise in rural America, Narcotics Detection Dogs such as Suka are playing key roles in the apprehension of criminals selling this harmful drug in Sturgis.

Thank You to the Black Hills Star Touring and Riding Association, Chapter 303! The first Annual Milk Bone Run was successful with donations to the Sturgis Police Department K9 Unit totaling $125! Your help and support will provide training equipment for K9 Suka!

A special heartfelt Thank You to each local vendor for your support!

In December 2006 the Sturgis Police Department K9 Unit was awarded $1000 by the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation for the purchase of a bullet and stab resistant vest for K9 "Suka". The purchase of the vest would not have been possible without the Foundation recognizing the protection Police Service Dogs need during high risk deployments.