New RTD K-9 Units Enhance Safety

The Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) Police Department (RTD-PD) has added two new K-9 units to its force. 

The police dogs’ training spanned 10 weeks, working with RTD-PD officers and K-9 handlers Michael Arroyo, paired with Labrador Kylo, and Joe Rodocker, paired with Belgian Malinois Rayne. A third K-9, Koa, a Belgian Malinois, is assigned to officer and handler Keith Cambra, and will join the department Dec. 20, bringing four total K-9 units on the force by yearend. 

The K-9 unit additions to the force is “tremendous for providing RTD with K-9 coverage seven days a week,” said Averill, who hand selected the new dogs. 

The agency acquired the additional police dogs through a FEMA grant and will use the dogs’ specialized skills for a variety of police work including helping to identify potential threats and locate evidence, such as explosives and shell casings, and patrolling facilities and vehicles. 

RTD’s K-9 handlers have been adapting to the high drive K-9s possess that uniquely qualifies them to perform police work that continues even when the officer and dog are off duty. “Adapting to having a high-drive dog such as a Belgian Malinois in my house was no small task,” Rodocker said. “However, it is a blessing to have the ability to bring my shift partner to work and home. K-9 Rayne is becoming a big part of my life.” 

The dogs will continue weekly training with their handlers throughout their service with RTD. “The amount of training is extensive. Everything a handler does, such as body movement, leash pressure, voice command inflection has a significant impact. Training the dog into recognizing specific odors and conduct search patterns is paramount in ensuring success of a K-9 in this field,” said Rodocker. 

The K-9 units are joining police patrols across the agency’s 2,342-square-mile district, including transportation hubs such as Denver Union Station, the A Line to the airport, and other commuter and rail lines and buses.