From battlefields to street beats, and from helping those with disabilities to searching for missing people, dogs are often called on to be more than companions. They have been used as companions and protectors ever since they were domesticated 12-15 thousand years ago. Highly trained K-9s—from tea cup Poodles to Mastiffs—have served police departments around the world since the 1800s.

Deschutes Public Library will welcome the Bend Police Department’s three K-9 teams on December 15, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. at the Downtown Bend Public Library. This free program will illuminate the many ways in which dogs help humans and will give the community a chance to meet Ranger, a two-year-old bloodhound who was laid off from the Polk County sheriff’s office due to budget cuts—but who found a job with Bend Police and Officer Kyle Voll. Officer Voll and Ranger will be joined Officer Supplee and Zlatan (a Belgian Malanois) and Officer Kinsella and Haras (also a Belgian Malanois).

The Bend Police K-9 Program was established in the early 1980s. The department primarily deployed German Shepherds, which were cross-trained in narcotics as well as criminal apprehension. Since the inception of its program, the Bend Police Department has played an active roll in providing police K-9 service to the communities of Central Oregon. The program has fluctuated from two to four police dogs, with three currently in service on the department.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Tina at 541-312-1034.