KEARNEY, Neb. (KPD)-Members of the Kearney Police Department are excited to introduce Police Service Dog “Murphy”, the 2nd member of our K-9 Unit. Murphy is a 2-year-old Belgium Malinois from France.
Kearney Police purchased Murphy from Canine Tactical in Chariton, IA, after the retirement of Police Service Dog “Kira” in July.
Officer Zach Schwarz and Murphy recently completed a sixteen-week Basic Police K-9 School with Nebraska State Patrol K-9 Division in Grand Island. Schwarz and Murphy received certification in both Patrol Operations and Narcotics Detection. Obtaining this certification is a great accomplishment for both Officer Schwarz and Murphy, the course is demanding and challenging for the handler and the dog.
Officer Schwarz is a ten-year law enforcement veteran, serving the past three years with KPD. He was selected as the K-9 Handler for Murphy after serving in the Patrol Division. Schwarz and his partner will join our current K-9 Team, Officer Jon Alstrom and “Bane” forming the Kearney Police K-9 Unit.
Police K-9 “Murphy” will be officially sworn in during the November 10 City Council Meeting with a ceremonial Paw Print and treat.