The City is proud to have a canine team as a member of the Warrenville Police Department. This team provides numerous benefits to the Department and City. Residents can spot Corporal Komar and his partner, K9 Bandit, in a specially designed vehicle. The Department originally provided a specially equipped squad car with a kennel in the rear for transport of Bandit. The first canine squad was a Ford Crown Victoria; the current squad is a Ford Explorer, which Corporal Komar transports K9 Bandit to and from work. Corporal Komar is responsible for providing Bandit a home and caring for him.

History

In January of 2002, the Warrenville Police Department employed its first K9 unit. Corporal Matt Komar was selected to handle the canine, which was purchased from a kennel in Indiana that specializes in police canines. K9 Bandit, a German shepherd, originally came from the Czech Republic. He was a year-and-a-half old when he began his work with the Warrenville Police Department. In March of 2002, the team began the first course of training in narcotics detection at the Cook County Forest Preserve Police Canine training center. This training lasted eight weeks and the team began working the street that same summer. In the fall, the canine team completed fourteen weeks in basic canine training. This training consisted of building searches for suspects, area searches, article searches, tracking, handler protection, basic obedience, and suspect apprehension. 

Benefits

K9 Bandit has helped in the apprehension of several suspects by means of tracks and has aided in the arrest of numerous suspects for narcotics. K9 Bandit has also assisted in seizing money and vehicles from various drug related crimes. K9 Bandit and Corporal Komar have also assisted numerous other police departments and have participated in a variety of K9 demonstrations for area schools.

Training

It is important that all officers maintain training, but particularly important for Canine Officers. In order to keep abreast of new techniques and maintain knowledge of existing standards, Corporal Komar and Bandit participate in weekly trainings. They are members of the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Region #24. Corporal Komar and K9 Bandit certify each year in patrol work and narcotics detection through the USPCA. 

I promise to be worth every cent it took to train me.
I promise to track down criminals who threaten and harm our community.
I promise to stand with you against the violence that penetrates our society.
I promise to sniff out the drugs being advertised to your children.
I promise to stay resolved and focused upon the success of our mission.
No matter what happens, I will be by your side...your loyal companion until the end.
I will never give up.

Any inquiries regarding the Warrenville Police K9 Unit should be directed to Corporal Matt Komar at 630/393-2131 or mkomar at warrenville.il.us.