Our Heroes

Meet the 2026 K-9 teams

Each year we photograph twelve Massachusetts K-9 team to feature in our fundraising calendar. Purchase your calendar and check back to see next month's team.

K-9 Officer Richard Reddick
In Memoriam

A Tribute to Rich

Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog proudly dedicates this 2026 calendar to K-9 Officer Richard “Rich” Reddick, a true cop's cop, who passed away on January 12, 2025. For 23 years, Rich faithfully served the Towns of Southbridge and Charlton, always leading with integrity, dedication, and heart.

As a K-9 Officer, he worked alongside his loyal Belgian Malinois partners, Mika and later Pablo, forming unbreakable bonds built on trust and service. Rich was forever committed to ensuring the safety of his community and those around him, embodying the very best of law enforcement.

His legacy of courage, devotion, and love for his K-9 partners will continue to inspire all who protect and serve. Thank you for your service. You are greatly missed, Rich.

K-9 Frank, German Shepherd/ Malinois Mix with West Springfield PD
January 2026

K-9 Frank

West Springfield PD

Breed
German Shepherd/ Malinois Mix
Age
3 yrs
HANDLER
K-9 John McCarthy
CERTIFICATIONS
Patrol & Narcotics Detection
K-9 Margo, Black Lab with MBTA Transit Police
February 2026

K-9 Margo

MBTA Transit Police

Breed
Black Lab
Age
8 yrs
HANDLER
K-9 Handler Kevin Tryon
CERTIFICATIONS
EOD (Explosive Ordnance Detection
K-9 Atlas, German Shepherd with Fitchburg PD
March 2026

K-9 Atlas

Fitchburg PD

Breed
German Shepherd
Age
3 yrs
HANDLER
K-9 Handler Mark Kaddy
CERTIFICATIONS
Patrol & Narcotics Detection
K-9 Sunka, Belgian Malinois with MBTA Transit Police
April 2026

K-9 Sunka

MBTA Transit Police

Breed
Belgian Malinois
Age
6 yrs
HANDLER
K-9 Handler Michael Caray
CERTIFICATIONS
Patrol & EOD (Explosive Ordnance Detection
K-9 Vici, German Shepherd/ Malinois Mix
 with Hampden County Sheriff's Office
May 2026

K-9 Vici

Hampden County Sheriff's Office

Breed
German Shepherd/ Malinois Mix
Age
4 yrs
HANDLER
K-9 Handler Tommy Cowell
CERTIFICATIONS
Patrol & Narcotics Detection
K-9 Yoshi, Belgian Malinois with N. Attleborough PD
June 2026

K-9 Yoshi

N. Attleborough PD

Breed
Belgian Malinois
Age
3 yrs
HANDLER
K-9 Officer Brenna Nelsom
CERTIFICATIONS
Patrol & EOD (Explosive Ordnance Detection
K-9 Sig, German Shepherd/Malinois Mix with Massachusetts State Police
July 2026

K-9 Sig

Massachusetts State Police

Breed
German Shepherd/Malinois Mix
Age
4 yrs
HANDLER
K-9 Tpr Sean O'Brien
CERTIFICATIONS
Patrol & Narcotics Detection
K-9 Rusty & Starr, Yellow Lab & Great Dane with Plymouth County Sheriff Department
August 2026

K-9 Rusty & Starr

Plymouth County Sheriff Department

Breed
Yellow Lab & Great Dane
Age
13 & 6 yrs
HANDLER
K-9 Officer Dennis Desroches
CERTIFICATIONS
Narcotics Detection (Rusty) & Therapy (Starr)
K-9 Ronin, German Shepherd with Massachusetts State Police
September 2026

K-9 Ronin

Massachusetts State Police

Breed
German Shepherd
Age
3 yrs
HANDLER
K-9 Tpr Brandon Cali
CERTIFICATIONS
Patrol & Human Remains Detection
Learn More

K-9 Facts & Information

Popular Police K-9 Breeds

Common breeds used in law enforcement include:

  • Belgian Malinois
  • German Shepherd Dog (GSD)
  • Dutch Shepherd
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Bloodhound
  • German Shorthaired Pointer
  • Australian Cattle Dog

Where Do Police Dogs Come From?

Many police K-9s are purpose-bred by professional breeders who focus on working bloodlines. Common countries of origin include:

  • Czech Republic
  • Germany
  • Belgium
  • The Netherlands
  • France
  • United States

Types of Police K-9s

Many departments have dogs certified in one specialty, while others have dual-purpose dogs.

Patrol / Utility K-9

Certified in areas such as:

  • Obedience
  • Criminal Apprehension
  • Building Search
  • Area Search
  • Tracking & Trailing
  • Article Search
  • Evidence Recovery
  • Handler Protection

Detection K-9

Specialized in detecting:

  • Narcotics
  • Explosives
  • Firearms
  • Currency
  • Electronic Storage Devices
  • Accelerants (Arson)
  • Human Remains (Cadaver)
  • Wildlife Conservation (in select agencies)