The Friends For Unified Police K9
THE FRIENDS FOR UNIFIED POLICE K9 IS A NON-PROFIT TAX-EXEMPT PUBLIC CHARITY TO HELP PROMOTE AND SPONSOR THE UPD K9 UNIT.
The organization was founded to assist in the purchase of service animals to be used for public safety throughout Salt Lake County. Fiscal constraints typically make it difficult to purchase service animals in an expeditious manner. The high demand for service animals by the military makes it extremely hard to find quality canine for law enforcement. “Friends” allows an avenue for immediate selection and reimbursement for quality canine. We are dedicated to supporting our canine partners.
THE ORGANIZATION RELIES ON DONATIONS TO ACCOMPLISH OUR GOALS.
2021 UPD K9 Team of the Year
Friends for UPD K9 is happy to announce Officer Austin Schmidt and his partner “Nitro” as the 2021 UPD K9 Team of the year. Austin has been with the UPD K9 unit for several years, and is partnered with PSD Nitro. Officer Schmidt is a self-motivator and driven to learn all he can about dogs. Officer Schmidt and Nitro have become an effective dog team and are constantly working on building their skills. They have been successful in deployments and assisting others. Officer Schmidt has also taken an interest in becoming an instructor. He has committed to learn all he can and was recently tasked with developing the new handler and K9 to achieve their narcotics detection certification. Officer Schmidt supports other agencies and dog teams with training and offering any assistance he can. He is professional and a great representative of UPD.
2020 UPD K9 TEAM of the Year
Friends for UPD K9 is proud to announce Sgt. Ryan Watson and his partner “Cash” as the 2020 UPD K9 Team of the Year. Sgt. Watson is the K9 unit supervisor and responsible for the Unified Police K9 unit’s success. Sgt. Watson oversees training, certification and the high professional standards of the K9 unit. Sgt. Watson has guided the K9 unit through difficult times during the last year including civil unrest and intense scrutiny of dog programs throughout Salt Lake County. Sgt. Watson is an effective leader and maintains positive working relationships with members and K9 units from other agencies. He has been steadfast in his commitments to UPD and K9, consistently encouraging the handlers in the unit to strive for their best.
2019 UPD K9 TEAM of the Year
Officer Wilberger has worked tirelessly in the K9 unit, helping train new handlers and K9’s for certification and success. Officer Wilberger has displayed outstanding dedication to the UPD K9 Unit. Officer Wilberger and Loki have competed in several K9 competitions and have won numerous awards. Officer Wilberger and “Loki” have numerous street apprehensions as well as drug detection seizures and have located evidence to several crimes.
2018 UPD K9 Team of the Year
Sgt. Fowler and his partner “Animal” were chosen as the Unified Police K9 Team of the year. Sgt. Fowler and Animal have been an incredible asset to public safety throughout Salt Lake County. Sgt. Fowler’s leadership has inspired each UPD K9 handler and created a cohesive unit. Sgt. Fowler and his partner have also competed in local and national K9 trials with great success. Sgt. Fowler recently accepted a new assignment as Supervisor of the Metro Gang Unit. Animal was retired and will enjoy his time with the Fowler family.
K9 'Dingo'
K9 Dingo was shot and killed while pursuing a suspect. There is no doubt that he saved the lives of Officers this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go with the UPD K9 Unit & family
K9 'Aldo'
K9 "Aldo" laid down his life last night to protect his handler during the search and apprehension of a fugitive. The UPD K9 Unit is mourning the loss of a great K9.
The Friends for Unified Police K9 is a Non-Profit Tax-Exempt public charity to help promote and sponsor the UPD K9 unit.
The organization was founded to assist in the purchase of service animals to be used for public safety throughout Salt Lake County. Fiscal constraints typically make it difficult to purchase service animals in an expeditious manner. The high demand for service animals by the military makes it extremely hard to find quality canine for law enforcement. “Friends” allows an avenue for immediate selection and reimbursement for quality canine. We are dedicated to supporting our canine partners.
The organization relies on donations to accomplish our goals. Click here for more information.
Our Sponsors
Bob and Laura Bridges
C.R. England
Callister Nebeker & McCullough
Corey England
Craig & Helen Carpenter
Crown Pawn
Kathleen A. Murray, M.D.
Kibbie Family (Utility Equipment Specialists, Inc.)
Mantyla McReynolds LLC
Nuttall, Brown & Coutts
One Shot Photography
Sharee Paulso
Versaterm
Memorial Mortuaries and Cemeteries
Mid-West Casket Company
Advanced Veterinary Care
Click Here To View More
Click here to view links to our favorite partners.
Our K9 Teams
K3
Officer Brian Barnett - Tanto
K4
Officer Ryan Smithson & Drogo
K5
Officer Travis Clark & Pyro
MV91
Officer Graf - Otto
News
Featured
Sgt. Reyes showed great courage as he paid his respects to his partner and protector "Dingo" at the memorial service held on July 15th. Hundreds attended the memorial service held at Herriman High School. Dingo was given full honors for his sacrifice.
Training Site Program
As handlers, we constantly strive to improve our K9 partner’s training experiences by implementing different scenarios and venues. Experience has shown that our partners become wise and learn to “pattern train” if we use the same venues.
In order to achieve productive training we are constantly looking for new venues. Commercial and residential structures are ideal for scenario training. Typically vacant properties as well as properties that are under construction are used.
Unfortunately these properties are often subject to vandalism and theft. Our experience has been that with the current price of scrap medals such as aluminum and copper, more damage is caused by the theft then the gain the criminals achieve by stealing the items.
The benefit of having multiple K9 teams training at random hours and days is a definite deterrent.
We seek every venue imaginable. Businesses, Home Owners associations, neighborhood watch groups, etc… If you are interested in participating in the program just fill out the online form on the right or email contact@updk9.org. A member of the unit will contact you for further information as well as answer any questions you may have.
Gallery
CHG Demo 2019
2011 Sheepdog Championship K9 Demonstration
DD Awards 2008
Millcreek - Night Out Against Crime
SWAT Dog 2008
Past K9 Teams
LEAPS Demo 2008
New K9 Monument
LEAPS Demo 2010
UPOA K9 Trials 2011
K9 Selection
