K3 Officer Dustin Fowler - Lando

 I began my career with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2004.  I was hired to work in the Protective Services division. After 1 ½ years I applied for deputy and was hired in October of 2005. I was assigned to patrol out of the Millcreek Precinct. While in patrol, I was able to work with the K-9 unit, on occasions. I have always had an interest in working in K-9. 

In the early part of 2007, I was informed one of the senior handlers had put in a transfer and there would be an opening in the unit.  I quickly put in an interest letter for K-9. In June of 2007 I was chosen to join the K-9 unit. I came into the unit about the same time they changed their program. The K-9 unit was changing from the “Find and Bite” program to the “Bark and Hold” program. 

My first week in the unit I was paired up with an 18 month old Belgian Malinois, named B-Rad.  B-Rad came to us from a vendor in Indiana. B-Rad was a new dog and had no training. I spent the next five months training B-Rad.  B-Rad was very energetic and loved to work. One of B-Rad’s favorite things to do was to jump in the air and shoulder bump me.  B-Rad was very social and loved to be pet by the other handlers.

In mid October of 2007, I certified B-Rad and myself in patrol UPSP1 through Utah P.O.S.T.  B-Rad and I quickly hit the streets. I worked on the street with B-Rad for about a month, when I noticed he had some problems with his teeth. I took B-Rad to the veterinarian for minor surgery. On November 17, 2007 B-Rad tragically died from complications after the surgery. Although B-Rad never got the chance to make an apprehension, I believe he would have excelled as a patrol dog.

In late January of 2008, I was assigned a 3 ½ year old Belgian Malinois, named Zipp.  I immediately started training Zipp in narcotic detection. Zipp and I certified April, 18, 2008.  Zipp has done very well and has had many good finds. Zipp is very social, loves his toys, and really loves to go to work.

I was given the opportunity to run two dogs, both single purpose dogs. On April, 1, 2008 I was paired up with a three year old German shepherd, named Lando. Lando is an all black shepherd, and was flown to us from Frankfurt, Germany.  I certified Lando as an apprehension dog on July, 29, 2008. Lando has excelled as a patrol dog and one week after being certified, Lando got his first apprehension. Lando’s first apprehension was on a burglary in Taylorsville. Lando is very social, loves to play, and looks forward to going to work every day.

I believe the canine to be a great benefit to law enforcement. I am very fortunate to have been chosen to be a part of the K-9 unit. I am constantly learning and strive to be a great handler.