Cedar Rapids police introduce newest four-legged crime fighter

The newest crime-fighter at Cedar Rapids police headquarters has four legs.

Jenks, a nearly 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd, has joined the department's K9 unit with training in drug recognition and patrol, according to a news release issued Thursday. His handler will be Officer Chris Bieber, who has been with the department for five years.

Jenks and Bieber were one of the first K9 teams to be trained within the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said the 8-week training was conducted by Officer Casey Bilden, who received his certification from the Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind.

“Having an in-house K9 trainer is a tremendous benefit to the public, the officer and our department,” Police Chief Greg Graham said. “The Vohne Liche training was excellent, but we lost the use of our officer for eight weeks. It just makes more sense to do our own training.”

All seven of the Cedar Rapids police K9 dogs, including Jenks, have come from the Vohne Liche Kennels. The other handlers and their dogs are:

• Officer Graham Campshure and Charger (Drug Recognition and Patrol)

• Officer Wayne Handeland and Wendy (Bomb Detection and Patrol) (Due to retire in 2010)

• Officer Curtis Buckles and Narco (Drug Recognition and Patrol)

• Officer Bryan Nachazel and Lucky (Drug Recognition and Patrol)

• Officer Al Fear and Marco (Drug Recognition and Patrol)

• Officer Casey Bilden and Yoeri (Drug Recognition and Patrol)