The Patrol K-9 Unit is supervised by Sgt. Mike Costello. He is not a K-9 handler himself but oversees the unit’s training, callout work and overall activity of the unit. He has been with YPD since August 1986.
K-9 "BRUTUS" is a German Shepherd born on August 1st, 2005. BRUTUS has been with his handler, Officer Bruce Rogers, since June, 2006. Officer Rogers and BRUTUS certified as a police K-9 team in March, 2007. BRUTUS is a very intense dog, and loves to go to work more than anything. Officer Rogers has been a police K-9 handler since 2003. Officer Rogers is also a certified K-9 trainer through the Washington State Police Canine Association. Officer Rogers has been with YPD since August 2001.
K-9 "SABRE" is a German Shepherd born on January 11th, 2008. SABRE has been with his handler, Officer Jim Yates, since January, 2009. Officer Yates and SABRE certified in April, 2009. SABRE is a very large dog who is playful, but very serious when it comes time to go to work. Officer Yates started with the K-9 unit in December 2008. Officer Yates has been with YPD since August 2004.
In addition to the Patrol Dogs, the Yakima Police Department has a separate contingent of drug sniffing dogs. These dogs are specially trained to detect illegal drugs using their keen sense of smell. This unit is commanded by Sergeant Tony Bennett and consists of 2 officer/handlers and 2 dogs. The Drug Dog unit is completely separate from the patrol dogs.
K9 "KAZAN" is a Belgian Malinois Shepherd born on June 21st, 2004 in Holland. Malinois (pronounced --mael--nwɑ’) is a French term meaning from Mechelen, a city in Belgium. KAZAN has been with his handler, Officer Kevin Lee, since June, 2006. Officer Lee and KAZAN certified as a police K-9 team in August, 2006. KAZAN is a very friendly and intense dog, and loves to search for illegal drugs. Officer Lee has been a police K-9 handler since June, 2006, and has been with YPD since April 1999.
Officer Stacy Andrews is our most recent K9 handler.
She is a former School Resource Officer and has been a YPD officer since 2005.
Officer Kevin Lee has been a Yakima Police Officer for 11 years. He was instrumental in getting the Drug Dog program started at the department.
