APD K-9 Dutch - RETIRED

K-9 Officer Dutch was born in Canada on March 9, 2009. He was a black and tan pure-bred German Shepherd.

Dutch was purchased after a donated dog, Gunner, failed to have the proper traits needed to be a police K-9. His handler, Sergeant Kristopher Bouchard was 2 weeks into a 12 week Patrol School when it became apparent that Gunner would not make the cut. Dutch was purchased as a replacement using drug forfeiture money in March of 2010. Gunner found a home in the Skowhegan area with a civilian. Even though there was only 9 weeks left when Dutch began the training, he passed with flying colors. In fact, during a rugged terrain tracking exercise at Frye Mountain in Montville, Dutch was the only K-9 to find the person he was looking for after a track that was over a mile long, up the mountain. During patrol training, K-9s are trained in obedience, tracking, evidence searches, building searches, aggression and officer protection.

In September of 2010, Sergeant Bouchard and Dutch attended Narcotics Detection School, spending 8 weeks at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. During this school, Dutch was trained to detect marijuana, hash, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. The training took place in various locations that included searches in buildings, on boats, in vehicles and at airports. Sergeant Bouchard and Dutch successfully completed this training and graduated in November of 2010.

On the streets, this K-9 team was utilized by the Auburn PD as well as surrounding departments. They were used on a regular basis for tracking suspects and searching for drugs in vehicles, residences, correctional facilities and schools. The team also conducted demonstrations for many community organizations.

Dutch was a wonderful, social dog who loved attention and enjoyed work and play equally. He lived out his golden retirement years with Sergeant Bouchard and his family in Auburn. We will always remember this loyal, beautiful K9.