Warrenville, IL :: Warrenville Canine Unit

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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 Officer Bellinger and his partner, K-9 Baron, in a specially marked vehicle. The Department provides this vehicle, which Officer Bellinger uses to transport K-9 Baron to and from work. Officer Bellinger is responsible for providing Baron a home and caring for him.

History

In January of 2002, the Warrenville Police Department employed its first K-9 Unit. Corporal Matt Komar was selected to handle the canine, which was purchased from a kennel in Indiana that specializes in police canines. K-9 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 Police Department. In March of 2002, the team began an eight week training in narcotics detection at the Cook County Forest Preserve Police Canine Training Center. That same summer, the team began patroling the street. 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. After a productive eight year career, K-9 Bandit retired in June of 2010.

The current K-9 Unit consists of Officer Tom Bellinger and K-9 Baron. K-9 Baron, also a German Shepherd, originated from Hungary and came to the department fully trained. In May of 2010, Officer Bellinger and K-9 Baron completed a four week training course in northern Michigan. The team is fully trained in narcotics detection, building searches, area and articles searches, tracking, handler protection, basic obedience and suspect apprehension.

Benefits

The Canine Unit assists in the apprehension of suspects by means of tracking, and aids in the arrest of narcotics suspects. The Canine Unit also assists numerous other police departments and participates in a variety of K-9 demonstrations.

Training

It is important that all officers maintain training, but training is particularly important for Canine Officers. In order to keep well-informed of new techniques and maintain knowledge of existing standards, Officer Bellinger and K-9 Baron participate in bi-weekly training events. Officer Bellinger and K-9 Baron re-certify each year in patrol operations and narcotics detection.

The K-9 Pledge

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 Officer Tom Bellinger at 630/393-2131 or tbellinger@warrenville.il.us.

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 Officer Bellinger and his partner, K-9 Baron, in a specially marked vehicle. The Department provides this vehicle, which Officer Bellinger uses to transport K-9 Baron to and from work. Officer Bellinger is responsible for providing Baron a home and caring for him.

In January of 2002, the Warrenville Police Department employed its first K-9 Unit. Corporal Matt Komar was selected to handle the canine, which was purchased from a kennel in Indiana that specializes in police canines. K-9 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 Police Department. In March of 2002, the team began an eight week training in narcotics detection at the Cook County Forest Preserve Police Canine Training Center. That same summer, the team began patroling the street. 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. After a productive eight year career, K-9 Bandit retired in June of 2010.

The current K-9 Unit consists of Officer Tom Bellinger and K-9 Baron. K-9 Baron, also a German Shepherd, originated from Hungary and came to the department fully trained. In May of 2010, Officer Bellinger and K-9 Baron completed a four week training course in northern Michigan. The team is fully trained in narcotics detection, building searches, area and articles searches, tracking, handler protection, basic obedience and suspect apprehension.

The Canine Unit assists in the apprehension of suspects by means of tracking, and aids in the arrest of narcotics suspects. The Canine Unit also assists numerous other police departments and participates in a variety of K-9 demonstrations.

It is important that all officers maintain training, but training is particularly important for Canine Officers. In order to keep well-informed of new techniques and maintain knowledge of existing standards, Officer Bellinger and K-9 Baron participate in bi-weekly training events. Officer Bellinger and K-9 Baron re-certify each year in patrol operations and narcotics detection.

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 Officer Tom Bellinger at 630/393-2131 or tbellinger@warrenville.il.us.