The Mt. Carmel Police Department has had a K-9 division since 1995. This unit is an integral part of our operation assisting in drug detection, tracking and apprehension. The officer will be living with the canine so there are many decisions when selecting an officer for the K-9 division.
Will the officer’s family be open to having the canine in the house, will the family understand that the officer maybe called out at anytime of day or night, is the officer physically fit enough to work with the canine.
Typically, a canine can run faster and longer than most people. The handler will be holding the canine back from its full running potential, but there is a difference between slowing the canine down and taking them out of the chase. The final selection comes down to being a physically fit candidate.
K-9 Officer Daniel Hopper was the perfect choice to partner with Ace.
K-9 Officer Daniel Hopper has been with Mount Carmel Police Department since 2016.