K9 – Pekin Police Department

K-9 UNIT

K-9 Unit

The Pekin Police K-9 Unit was formed in 1993.

The Pekin Police Department K-9 Unit was established in 1993 and remains a critical asset in our proactive enforcement and investigative operations.

The primary mission of the K-9 Unit is to support patrol and investigations in the detection of illegal narcotics. In addition to narcotics detection, our K-9 teams are trained in article searches, evidence recovery, and tracking suspects or missing persons. These highly trained teams enhance officer safety, expand investigative capabilities, and provide a visible deterrent to criminal activity.

The unit currently consists of two dedicated K-9 teams:

K-9 Draco

A black Labrador Retriever, K-9 Draco is assigned to Officer Appell. He joined the department in 2023 and is certified in narcotics detection, tracking, and article searches. Draco plays a key role in proactive drug enforcement and locating critical evidence.

K-9 Scout

A Belgian Malinois, K-9 Scout is assigned to Officer Bucco and joined the department in 2024. Scout is trained in narcotics detection, tracking, and evidence recovery, and is regularly deployed to assist patrol operations and criminal investigations.

Serving as a K-9 handler requires commitment beyond the standard duty day, advanced training, and a strong partnership between officer and canine. For officers seeking a challenging and highly specialized assignment, the K-9 Unit represents a unique opportunity to expand operational impact while strengthening community safety.

Our K-9 History

K-9 Draco is a black Labrador Retriever assigned to Officer Appell. He joined the Pekin Police Department in 2023. K-9 Draco is trained in narcotics detection, article searches, and tracking.

K-9 Draco

Active

K9 Aslan is a German Shepherd that was born in Germany on August 27, 2001. He was teamed up with Officer Jeff Stolz in March 2004, after K9 Jovi was retired. K9 Aslan and Officer Stolz are certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association.

K-9 Aslan

Retired

K9 Ahen is a Dutch Shephard, who was assigned to Lieutenant Rob Jones. K9 Ahen and Lieutenant Jones were certified through the Illinois State Police and ILETSB.

K-9 Ahen

Retired

K-9 Scout is a Belgian Malinois assigned to Officer Bucco. K-9 Scout joined the Pekin Police Department in 2024. He is trained in narcotics detection, article searches, and tracking.

K-9 Scout

Active

K9 Kazan is a Belgium Malinois, who was assigned to Officer Justin Rabe. K9 Kazan and Officer Rabe are certified through the North Amecian Police Work Dog Association.

K-9 Kazan

Retired

K9 Bas was assigned to Officer Ryan Smith.

K-9 Bas

Retired