K-9 Hugo is a German Shepherd and was born on October 20, 2002 in the Slovenska' Republic. Officer Joe Bumbaugh is Hugo's handler. K-9 Hugo started
his career with Officer Bumbaugh in April of 2006. Hugo is a dual purpose narcotics and patrol dog. He is trained to detect marijuana, hashish, methamphetamine, cocaine,
crack cocaine, and heroin. He is capable of detecting/tracking/apprehending fleeing suspects and detecting and tracking missing persons.
Hugo is trained to enter and conduct building searches and locate possible suspects when a break-in has occurred and a possible
suspect(s) remain in the building. He can conduct open area searches and provides protection to his handler. He is trained
to conduct article searches to locate lost items or possible suspect contraband.
K-9 Awards 2009
The 10th annual American Working Dog K-9 Olympics were recently held in
Denver, IN, and Warsaw and Winona Lake police department K-9 teams ranked
in tops in several categories. Warsaw officers Cpl. Joel Beam and K-9
Buddy, and Cpl. Allen Danko and Pako joined Winona Lake Patrolman Joe
Bumbaugh and Hugo to compete as a three-man team. Overall the team placed
first in the K-9 Patrol competition which included tracking, obstacle
courses, building searches, bite work, K-9 control and obedience. In the
obedience competition Cpl. Beam and Buddy earned second place which
included judging in voice commands, working through distractions and
overall obedience. WLPD's Bumbaugh and Hugo received first place in the
tracking contest. The individual competition included a track of two
articles the dog had to locate and the animal was judged on how quickly
he located the items and how well he followed a designated track.
Bumbaugh and Hugo also scored a first-place title in two narcotic detection
events. The American Working Dog K-9 Olympics was held at the Vohne Liche
Kennels and included 80 teams of handlers and dogs from all over the
United States.
In the photo, from left: Allen Danko and Pako, Joel Beam and Buddy, Joe Bumbaugh and Hugo
K-9 Awards 2008
Warsaw and Winona Lake Police K-9 Officers received recognition in the 9th Annual American Working Dog K-9 Olympics
held August 19 through August 21, 2008 at Vohne Liche (pronounced Von Lick) Kennels in Denver, Indiana. Warsaw Police
Department Corporal Joel Beam with K-9 "BUDDY", Corporal Alien Danko with K-9 "PAKO" joined Winona Lake Patrolman
Joe Bumbaugh with K-9 "HUGO" to compete as a three man team. The team placed 2nd in the Overall K-9 Patrol Team
competition. The Overall Patrol competition was based on tracking people, building searches, bite work, and K-9
control. The K-9 team was judged on how quickly and how tactically hiding "suspects" could be located in a building.
The K-9 Olympics included over 100 teams from 14 states and four (4) countries, including such notables as the
President of Ecuador's Chief of Security and his K-9. Over 30 individuals, representing Vohne Liche Kennels, and K-9
police officers from as far away as Honolulu P.O. judged the competition. All events were based on a point system and
tested dog teams competency, physical fitness and mental toughness.Corporal Beam, Corporal Danko and Patrolman Bumbaugh
are certified by Vohne Liche Kennels and The American Working Dog association. Each participates locally in K-9
demonstrations for social service groups, schools and area events. Each K-9 handler trains daily with their K-9
partner, and assist in narcotic searches in addition to normal police patrol duties Vohne Liche Kennels is a full
service K9 training facility where the "best of the best" go for highly trained detection dogs. In operation since
1993, Vohne Liche Kennels has trained detection canines for over 500 law enforcement and government agencies,
including the National Security Agency (NSA), Pentagon Police, U.S. Secret Service, every branch of the U.S. Military
and agencies in over 20 foreign countries.
History of K-9 Units
The Winona Lake Police Department's K-9 Unit was started in
1999 through various grant programs. Since 1999 two K-9 dogs have serviced the Winona Lake
Police Department.
In 1999, retired Officer Chad Stevens completed training with his patrol
dog Jack. Patrol dogs are used for criminal apprehension, building searches,
tracking and evidence recovery. The canine has been used successfully in numerous
situations since that time, and has been a tremendous asset to Winona Lake and neighboring
communities.
Since 2006, the new K-9 unit has been in operation. This
team (Officer Joe Bumbaugh & K-9 Hugo) completed narcotics, tracking, building search, and other various training.
K-9 Jack Retires...
K-9 Jack was officially retired from active duty in March, 2006.
K-9 Jack was assigned to the Department in 1999 and trained with then Deputy Marshal Chad Stevens for patrol operations.
During his career, K-9 Jack was credited with many criminal apprehensions and the
seizure of thousands of dollars in narcotics and related contraband.
In addition to his criminal work, K-9 Jack has been popular with area
children and helped the Police Department forge a better relationship with the community.
His presence alone at numerous scenes helped prevent officers from getting into physical confrontations and quelled many disturbances.
K-9 Jack has been turned over to retired Assistant Chief Chad Stevens and will remain his personal pet.
For additional information contact Officer Joe Bumbaugh via K-9 Unit email
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