West Fargo Police Department announces newest addition to K9 Unit

Photo by: West Fargo Police Department
Photo by: West Fargo Police Department

(West Fargo, ND) -- The West Fargo Police Department has announced the newest member of the K-9 Unit, K-9 Hondo.

K-9 Hondo is a 19-month old Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands. K-9 Hondo and his handler, Officer Brock Ackerman, are certified in narcotics, narcotic detection, suspect apprehension, tracking and article recovery.

"Our K-9 Unit continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of our community," said Chief Denis Otterness. "K-9 Hondo and Officer Ackerman will continue to provide the highest level of service to the residents of West Fargo."

K-9 Hondo and Officer Ackerman will complete a three month training process in West Fargo. Hondo received an additional three months of training before being paired with Officer Ackerman. Hondo replaces K-9 Brewtus who retired early due to a medical condition unrelated to his work as a police K-9.

The West Fargo Police Department has four K-9’s and handlers within the unit, three assigned to the Patrol Division and one assigned to the Community Outreach Programs and Services Unit. The three K-9’s assigned to the Patrol Division were deployed over 200 times in 2021.

"The K-9 Unit is invaluable in protecting officers, locating drugs, tracking suspects, strengthening relationships and participating in community events," said the Department in a statement released to WDAY Radio. "When not at work, the K-9s live with their handlers and are a part of their families."

More information on the West Fargo Police Department’s K-9 Unit is available here.