30 JULY 2025 By Rachael Bouley While strolling the streets of Scottsdale, you may see furry, four-legged partners helping out the city’s police department, one hoof or paw at a time. The Scottsdale Police (SPD) rely on powerful patrol horses and dedicated K9s to play a vital role in keeping the streets safe and secure. Comforting crisis dogs also make a big difference, helping people of all ages feel supported in times of need. Let’s meet these four-legged heroes who serve the city with pride. The Mounted Unit SPD’s Mounted Unit is comprised of seven horses whose impressive strength and stature aid in crowd control and community events. You may see them on routine patrols throughout Old Town. The horses include 21-year-old Koda, a Painted Quarter Horse, and Zion, a towering 14-year-old Clydesdale. Aiden, 20, and Newt, 4, are Thoroughbred/Percheron crosses, and Cash is a 10-year-old Percheron/Friesian. This spring, the unit welcomed two recruits: Owen, a 4-year-old Thoroughbred/Percheron, and Oakley, a 4-year-old Clydesdale/ Thoroughbred. They came from Asbury University in Kentucky, where students raise and train horses specifically for law enforcement work. “We need our police horses to be calm and non-reactive to the different stimuli they will encounter,” PIO Officer Aaron Bolin explained. This includes loud street noise, music, vehicle traffic, and large crowds, as police horses are trained to use their bodies to safely direct people and effectively control crowds. The Mounted Unit was established in 1985 with two officers and two horses as part of a community policing effort. Currently, there are four officers assigned full-time to the unit, which has seen an increased need for crowd management and enforcement duties at special events. “The Mounted Unit evolved over the years to meet the needs of Old Town and the expanding entertainment district with the increase of nightclubs and nightlife attractions,” Officer Bolin, who served on the Mounted Unit from 2013-2018, said. When they are not on duty patrolling crowds and connecting with the community, the horses enjoy a well-deserved break, receiving dedicated care from department wranglers. “The horses get to be horses most of the time, living in an amazing barn at WestWorld,” Officer Bolin added. “They usually train with their assigned rider weekly and then work different patrol shifts or events as needed.” The Mounted Unit gets out and about in the community, visiting Scottsdazzle and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park for large city-sponsored events and Neighborhood Watch Block parties. The horses also appear at annual Trunk-or-Treat events in October. “We take phenomenal care of our working and service animals,” Officer Bolin added. “We rely on them to help us keep our community safe, and we treat them like our best friends.” The K9 Unit Scottsdale’s K9 Unit features six highly skilled dogs, adding a layer of safety for officers in high-risk situations. Four-year- old Cache is a black Labrador used solely for explosives detection purposes, meaning he doesn’t chase, find, or apprehend suspects. Logan and Rocco are experienced six-year- old Belgian Malinois, who are experts in suspect tracking, apprehension and sniffing out illegal substances. They are joined by Kuno, Booker, and Viggo – young Belgian Malinois in their early prime. The K9 Unit relies on each dog’s keen senses to detect hidden people and evidence, keeping officers safe during building searches. There are also specific K9s used to identify illicit materials and assist patrol officers with investigations. “When we receive the K9s, we run them through a six to eight-week academy where they are trained in the things that will make them a successful Police K9,” Unit Sergeant Jeremy Pitt said. “This includes obedience, building searches, area searches, and suspect apprehensions. Each dog is unique in how they need to be trained.” Once the K9 has been taught the basics, they must be certified through the National Police Canine Association. Then, they can begin answering calls for service and receiving maintenance training every week. “During event season in Scottsdale, K9s are used to conduct a sweep of the venue and surrounding areas before the event opens to the public. This is done to ensure a safe gathering space for all attendees,” Sergeant Pitt said. Typically, these dogs will continue their careers until they are 8-10 years old before retiring to a comfortable life with treats, belly rubs, and couch time. While all the K9s are extremely social, the public is urged always to ask the handler if they can have a pet or interaction so the pups can focus on the important tasks at hand. School Resource K9s A trio of crisis comfort dogs lend a helping paw as part of Scottsdale’s School Resource Officer Unit. These dogs have one goal: supporting students as they navigate stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. Rocket is a six-year-old Golden Retriever at Chaparral High School, Cooper is a three-year-old red Goldendoodle at Mohave Middle School, and Captain is a four-year-old Goldendoodle at Coronado High. The dogs help build trust and create safe spaces on campus, providing calming pressure and comforting cuddles to help students when they need it most. Crisis Response In addition to the patrol and resource K9s, Scottsdale’s Police Crisis Intervention Service (PCIS) now has a furry face who works alongside six trained specialists and offers immediate support to those in need. Fender, a two-year-old Golden Retriever, is there to provide emotional support during traumatic events by helping victims, witnesses, or anyone experiencing distress at a crime scene. Fender is trained to sit quietly beside those needing comfort, soothing kids and adults with his wagging tail and gentle hugs. These four-legged officers may come with paws and hooves, but their impact on Scottsdale’s safety and well-being is anything but small. Whether it’s guiding crowds, sniffing out danger, comforting students, or supporting people during their most vulnerable moments, these animals are a vital part of the city’s public safety team. scottsdaleaz.gov/police These four-legged crime fighters keep the community safe Cooper, Rocket, and Captain are Scottsdale’s School Resource K9s. Zion and Koda of SPD’s Mounted Unit. K9 Logan, patrol. K9 Cache, explosives detection. Fender, Police Crisis Intervention. Booker, officer safety. Christ Lutheran School Preschool - Grade 8 • www.clsphx.org LC-MS 3901 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix | www.cclphoenix.org | (602) 955-4830 LOVE GROW SERVE IN-PERSON WORSHIP Traditional Worship 8:00am/10:45am Contemporary Worship 8:30am/10:30am Teaching Service 9:30am ONLINE WORSHIP Sunday @ 8:am/10:30am FB Live or CHRISTCHURCHPHX.ONLINE.CHURCH

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