MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department is welcoming a new four-legged officer to its ranks. K9 Strike, a German Shorthaired Pointer with international training and specialized skills, officially joined the force this September.
Born on May 3, 2024, in the Czech Republic, K9 Strike underwent initial training through K9 Working Dogs International (K9WDI) before being recruited by the department this fall. He is partnered with Officer Ryan Aden, and together the duo has already completed their certification as a team in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Strike is certified to detect a range of illegal narcotics, including PCP, LSD, psilocybin, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl. He brings a critical toolset to the department, especially as law enforcement agencies across the country face rising concerns over drug trafficking and opioid abuse.
In addition to his narcotics detection abilities, Strike is trained to identify ground disturbances—a valuable skill in search and rescue operations, including locating missing persons.
The department says Strike is already proving to be a valuable addition to its K9 team, enhancing both its patrol and investigative functions.
“Strike and Officer Aden have trained extensively together, and we’re confident they will make a strong impact in keeping our community safe,” the department said in a statement.