The West Wendover Police Department is pleased to announce the newest member to its staff. Chase is an 18-month-old Yellow Labrador Retriever who will be joining our K-9 Unit.

Chase comes to us from a police canine training facility in Utah. He has already started his training as an illicit narcotics detection dog. He will also receive tracking training.

Chase was recently given his name by the students at West Wendover Elementary School. The school held an assembly on September 21, 2023, to give the students the opportunity to meet our new dog. The 344 students who attended were given three names to choose from on a voting ballot. Over 58% of the students voted for the name Chase.

Chase will now attend a 3-week training program with his new partner, K-9 handler, Officer Antonio Escareno. As a team, they will learn how to work together to detect illegal narcotics as well as tracking skills.

Once they finish their initial three weeks of training, they will continue to train in West Wendover until they are able to certify Chase for detection work in Nevada. After all the initial training is complete, it is anticipated that Chase will be certified in Nevada and Utah as well as hold a national certification.

Chase will fill the opening created when our K-9 Officer Astro retired last December. We will once again have two K-9 officers, Vigo, and Chase.

Chief of Police Cal Kunz commented, "We are thrilled to have Chase and his K-9 handler, Officer Escareno, join our K-9 Unit. Officer Escareno is an experienced Patrol Officer who has a passion for keeping our community safe. Chase has already shown many signs that he will be a hardworking, productive member of our Police Department. Together, I think they will make a great team."

Pictured is West Wendover Police K-9 Officer "Chase"