Handler: Aaron Spooner
Breed: Malinois
DOB: 6/18/2012
Department: Aurora Police Department
Function: Narcotics Detection and Patrol
Years Worked: 5/3/2014 – 8/27/2021

Rex is a Malinois, who was born on June 18, 2012 in the Netherlands. Rex was imported to the US and paired with his Handler, Aaron Spooner, from the Aurora Illinois Police Department. Rex began working the street in May 2014, where he assisted with seizing numerous kilos of narcotics and over a million dollars. Rex was also assigned to the Special Response Team, where he assisted on numerous SWAT operations.

Update 2024: Rex started his career with the Aurora Police Department in May 2014. Rex retired in August 2021 and has been enjoying his retirement.

Update 2025: Rex worked from May 2014 through August 2021. Rex was a dual purpose narcotics dog assigned to patrol and the special response team. Rex has been enjoying his retirement.

Handler: Heriberto Nieves
Breed: Labrador
DOB: 2/14/2014
Department: Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Function: Explosive Detection
Years Worked: 2017 – 2022

Guinness was imported from Europe and started her detection career at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Guinness was a trained Department of Homeland Security explosives detection canine assigned at the Orlando International Airport from 02/2017 – 02/2022. Guinness was trained to work in a variety of airport environments including freight/cargo, terminal, aircraft, baggage and vehicles. He was also assigned V.I.P. support, which included working for United States and foreign dignitaries. Guinness loves long walks, relaxing around the house, and is enjoying retirement.

Update 2025:  He is currently enjoying a retired life by playing fetch, long walks, and taking a lot of naps.

Handler: John Bertuca
Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer
DOB: 3/4/2013
Department: DuPage Sheriff’s Office
Function: Cadaver and Narcotics Detection
Years Worked: Six

Handler: Peter Konow
Breed: Dutch Shepherd
DOB: 11/10/2015
Department: Naperville Police Department
Function: Narcotics Detection and Patrol
Years Worked: 6/2017 – 5/2025

Rocco had a great career with the Naperville Police Department having served almost 8 years. He always enjoyed getting into the squad car and going to work. Not many things make him happier than chasing his kong around. He has transitioned perfectly into a house setting and enjoys all the benefits that come with being a house dog.

Handler: Jeffrey Kosiek
Breed: German Shepard
DOB: 3/21/2011
Department: BNSF Police
Function: Explosive Detection and Patrol
Years Worked: 3/2015 – 7/2024

On July 1, 2024, K9 Baro, an Explosives and Patrol K9, retired from the BNSF K9 Team after 10 years of service with Special Agent Jeff Kosiek in Chicago. At 13 years old, K9 Baro had the longest tenure of service in BNSF K9 Team history.

Update: Baro retired from BNSF railroad on July 1, 2024, and will be 14 years old this coming March.

Update 2025:  Baro turned 14 last March 15th.

Handler: Raul Hernandez
Breed: German Shepard
DOB: 8/10/2015
Department: Chicago Police Department
Function: Explosive Detection
Years Worked: 6/14/2017 – 12/15/2025

Arkus began his service as an Explosives Detection Canine with the Chicago Police Department in June of 2017. He was assigned to the Counter Terrorism Unit at O’Hare Airport. Arkus was deployed in support of Super Bowl Lll in February of 2018. On a daily basis, Arkus was tasked with sweeping unattended bags, unattended vehicles, and delivery trucks entering airport property. Arkus has also conducted numerous sweeps of dignitary motorcades throughout his career. Arkus retired on October 15, 2025.

Handler: Phillip Kostecka
Breed: German Shepard
DOB: 05/14/2012
Department: Chicago Heights Police Department
Function: Narcotics Detection and Patrol
Years Worked: Seven

Cap is enjoying the retirement life.
Cap still enjoys chasing his toys and is always excited for a car ride.

Cap will be 13 years old May 15, 2025.

Update 2025: Cap served seven years as a dual purpose K9. Cap is enjoying his retirement chasing his ball and playing in water. Cap just turned 13. Thank you Mark 9 for your support.

Handler: Tony Smith
Breed: Yellow Lab
DOB: 8/8/2011
Department: Glendale Police Department
Function: Explosive Detection
Years Worked: 7/2013 – 4/2022

I am pleased to share the retirement summary of Chewey, my Labrador Retriever and retired explosive detection canine, who served with distinction from July 2013 to April 2022.

Chewey worked extensively throughout the Phoenix Metro area and across the broader Southwest United States. He participated in high-profile events, including all home games for the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Coyotes, every Fiesta Bowl as part of the NCAA Football Bowl Series, and numerous other collegiate and professional football bowl games. He also supported concerts and events at State Farm Arena, Desert Diamond Arena, and the Phoenix Convention Center.

Beyond sporting events, Chewey conducted venue sweeps, aircraft sweeps, and airport security operations for visiting dignitaries, including Presidents, Vice Presidents, the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Attorney General, and FBI Directors, as well as other high-profile individuals on critical executive protection assignments. His exceptional temperament allowed him to remain inside venues, working closely with protectees without barking or distraction.

Chewey served the Glendale Police Department and is recognized as the only explosive detection canine to work inside the FBI while his handler served as a full-time FBI Task Force Officer. His calm, precise, and focused performance made him highly preferred for operations in sensitive, high-security environments.

Chewey retired in April 2022, coinciding with my retirement after 33 years of law enforcement service. His career reflects unmatched dedication, skill, and loyalty, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence in explosive detection operations.

Handler: Brian Wiebe
Breed: German Shepherd
DOB: 3/8/2015
Department: Hanover Park Police Department
Function: Cadaver, Narcotics Detection and Patrol
Years Worked: 4/11/2016 – 4/10/2025

K9 Echo was born on 03/08/2015 in the Czech Republic and went on to serve the Hanover Park Police Department beginning in April 2016 with Ofc. Wiebe. He trained at Tops Kennels in Grayslake, IL and was utilized for patrol functions, narcotics detection, cadaver and community events. He quickly became known for his size, deep bark and strong work ethic. He had a way of making his presence known and will be missed by many around town. He will enjoy retirement at home with his handler and family.