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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 29, 2005 Medford officer Shawn Vollrath and Rudi demonstrate K-9 skills Wednesday. Mail Tribune / Jim Craven Cop dog ‘Rudi’ joins K-9 force By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune A new alpha dog has joined the Medford Police Department pack. Rudi, a 4-year-old Dutch malinois, became the city’s second tracking and patrol dog as of last week. His arrival expands on a successful K-9 program that for the past three years has included a lone tracker, the 7-year-old German shepherd named Tiko. "Last year, Tiko had some health issues," said Medford police Lt. Mike Moran. "We found the dogs to be invaluable." The new canine, partnered with officer Shawn Vollrath, puts a dog on patrol several nights during the week, in addition to being available for special search missions, Moran said. Previously, Tiko and partner D.J. Graham were only on patrol weeknights, the lieutenant added. Advertisement But Tiko has proved his worth on several recent cases, including Friday’s arrest of a suspected Ashland bank robber and the August capture of another attempted robbery suspect in Medford. "He is on a hot streak," said Medford police Lt. Tim George. The department almost lost Tiko a year ago when he came down with leptosporosis, a bacterial infection of the urinary tract that is fatal in dogs if not treated. Tiko likely contracted the illness from raccoon urine or contaminated water, possibly in Bear Creek, Graham said. Tiko’s five-year tenure with the police department has sent him on many a foray into Bear Creek, Graham said. In June, the shepherd located a fleeing manslaughter suspect who hid in the creek for approximately 30 minutes covered with debris so only his mouth showed above the water’s surface. This year, Tiko has captured 25 suspects — biting five — and stands to break last year’s record of 38 captures, George said. The dog has also found 16 pieces of evidence so far this year. Of his 142 career captures, Tiko has bitten about 16 percent of the time and typically only on his handler’s command. "If the dog is let loose, the dog is trained to bite unless the suspect becomes cooperative," said K-9 unit supervisor Sgt. Mark Boone. "The suspect drives whether he’s bitten or not." Tiko responds to audible cues in Czech to avoid the possibility that criminals or the public could communicate with him. Rudi’s reactions are geared to German words, Moran said. Started in 1992 with a Belgian malinois named Oxer, the city’s K-9 program costs about $7,000 per year in food, supplies and veterinary bills, Moran said. Each K-9 officer is paid about $63,000 plus benefits, slightly more than other patrol officers because the handlers give their dogs a home and care for them 24 hours a day, Moran said. Rudi’s purchase from a notable Springfield trainer cost the department $5,000. Rudi is the department’s third Dutch malinois. Loey retired in 1999 at the age of 7 when his handler left the police department. Tanja died of cancer in 2002 after a seven-year career on the force. Once police dogs reach the age of 8, the department expects to see a decline in their performance, Moran said. Two English springer spaniels, Robb and Duke, round out Medford’s K-9 unit. Both are trained in drug detection and last year helped the department seize 81 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 pounds of marijuana and approximately $27,500 in cash linked to drug sales. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail Cop dog �Rudi� joins K-9 force ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Advertisement s