CURRENT TEAM

The Galt Police Department Canine Unit currently has two dogs and two handlers. The canines and their handlers are selected through a testing process and once selected, they are sent to several months of training to bond, learn about each other, and work together. This training includes teaching the handlers to speak to the canines in different languages, dependent upon the country the canine originated from. 

The canine handlers and canines work under the supervision of a patrol sergeant. The first team consists of Officer Kyle Slater and his canine partner "Copper." The second team consists of Officer Michael Little and his canine partner "Kane." Canine Kane is a German Shepherd and Canine Copper is a Dutch Shepherd. Both Canine Copper and Canine Kane are certified through the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) in patrol tactics as well as narcotic detection.

In 2019, the Galt Canine Unit participated and earned several awards at the Western States Police Canine Association Trials in San Joaquin County, Stockton, Yuba City, Stanislaus County, Vallejo, and Placer County. The Galt Canine Unit earned the title of “Top Team” of the year.

The Canine Unit is a vital resource of the Galt Police Department family providing safety and service with concern to the citizens of the City of Galt.

To help support your local canine unit, visit the Foothills K9 Association website. 

HISTORY 

The Galt Police Department Canine Program was introduced by Galt Police Sergeant Robert Dixon in 1981. With the help of the Galt Community, a German Shepherd was imported from Germany for him to train. Sgt. Dixon's new partner's name was Mike. In midyear of 1982, the team hit the streets. During the following year, Willie Weatherford came on board as Chief of Police. He had been a Canine Handler and trainer for 20 years, and brought much needed skills and talents to the team.  

In January of 1984, Sgt. Dixon and K9 Mike left the Galt Police Department, but Chief Weatherford started two new Canine Teams. The new teams were Officer Ken Erickson and his partner, Mike, a male German Shepherd, and Officer Joe DeAngelis, and his partner Bergen, also a male German Shepherd. Even though the new canines were not imports and were previously considered, "back yard" dogs, they soon proved themselves worthy of the title, Police Canine. 

Chief Weatherford enlisted the assistance of the Manteca Police Department Canine Staff, led by Sgt. Dennis Hoerth. The new K9 teams hit the streets in July of 1984. they were an immediate boost to the department, leading numerous arrests. They also played an important role in public relations. the new teams were off to a great start. The following year, both teams won in competitions in both San Diego and Stockton. This enhanced the image of the Galt Police Department Canine. Unit. 

 In 1985, Officer Erickson's partner, Mike, died due a turned bowel, and Officer DeAngelis' partner, Bergen, was retired due to hip related problems in August of 1985. Fortunately, Joe's new partner, Badlur, a male German Shepherd, had completed his training, and was put on the streets, ready for police duty.

Officer Denier and his partner, AJ, joined the team in early of March 1990. AJ, brother to Ace, was a dark muzzled male German Shepherd. Officer Denier and AJ picked up where Officer DeAngelis and his partner Ace left off. Stacking up arrests after arrest, and winning numerous competitions. 

In July of 1992, another new team was added. Officer Winsor and his partner, Sadie, a female German Shepherd. For the next three years, Officer Winsor and Sadie worked the streets making many a burglar wish they were home in bed. Sadie was a big hit with children who would come in for tours of the Police Department. Many who were afraid of dogs (especially Police Dogs), were pleasantly surprised to meet her. always friendly and eager to go to work. They worked the streets until April of 1995, when Sadie was retired and Jago (pronounced Yago) was put on the streets.

Below are several historical photographs archived in the Galt Police Department Archives of the canine program. The Galt Police Department sincerely appreciates all of the Officers who dedicated themselves to making the program successful over the years.