Across the United States, police departments are facing battles on multiple fronts in order to do their jobs effectively. Increases in crime, coupled with a lack of resources and constant struggles to secure adequate funding, mean that many departments are stretched further than ever before.
It’s a similar picture in Dewey Beach, a small coastal town in southeast Delaware. But a recent addition to their team intends to foster positive community relations, and help in the fight to keep harmful substances off the town’s streets and out of local schools.
Enter K9 Jasper.
About K9 Jasper
Jasper is a purebred German Shepherd who arrived at Highland Canine Training’s facility in Spring 2023. After being abandoned by his previous owners, a local GSD rescue – German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions (GSRA) – reached out to Highland Canine’s team with hopes of putting Jasper through the company’s Second Chance Program, which rehabilitates rescue dogs with behavioral issues in the hope of increasing the likelihood of them being adopted.
After being evaluated by Highland Canine’s team of trainers, it was clear that Jasper’s natural prey drive made him an ideal candidate for potential work as a police K9. He showed a natural ability for detection and trailing work, and the decision was made to adopt him into Highland Canine’s Police K9 Training program, with the intention to donate him to a police department in need after his training was completed.
“Jasper had a lot of energy that truly needed an outlet, as well as a personality that needed to bond with someone,” explains Shana Parsnow (Director of Working Dog Programs at Highland Canine Training, LLC). “He immediately proved to us that he was not just an ordinary shelter dog.
“He progressed very quickly in trailing, detection, and article searches. Jasper is now fully trained to detect five different types of narcotics, locate a human by following a trail of their odor, and on top of that, locate thrown or hidden evidence. It turns out that work – and a handler to bond with – was exactly what he needed!”
On October 7, at Highland Canine Connect’s annual fundraiser, it was announced that Jasper would be awarded to the Dewey Beach Police Department. Jasper’s assigned handler – PFC Dylan Ebke – subsequently attended a three-week handler course at Highland Canine Training to get to grips with his new K9 partner.
The difference that K9 Jasper will make in Dewey Beach
“Dewey Beach is a dog town,” explains Chief Speake of the Dewey Beach Police Dept. “We are known for it – we have events running throughout the year, and dogs are loved by our community here. In that respect, Jasper fits right in.”
Jasper’s role as the newest four-legged member of the Dewey Beach Police Dept. is multifold. Not only will he utilize his skills to locate narcotics and other harmful substances, but he has a crucial role to play in building strong relationships with the local community, as Chief Speake explains.
“Jasper is very friendly and has a lovable personality. We really want to see him out there, meeting and greeting our citizens, and building that bridge with the community.
“In addition, we have already seen Jasper deployed for his detection skillset – for example, drug stops, traffic stops, school locker searches, those kinds of activities. We really see Jasper as an amazing asset to our team.”
For Officer Ebke, the acquisition of Jasper has already seen them forge a close relationship in a short amount of time.
“Jasper and I have built a bond like no other with each other,” says Ebke. “I think his personality is going to be great in our community.
“Across the country, it is hard to acquire K9s because of the amount of money that has to be put into them, especially in smaller departments. However, with the help of Highland Canine Connect, they were able to make this possible. We’re very grateful for their kind donation and everyone who has been able to make Jasper the dog that he is now.”
Our Police Dog Donations make a difference
At Highland Canine Connect, our history of working in and alongside law enforcement means that we truly understand the value of well-trained K9s – and how these dogs truly make a positive difference to communities.
“I really want to thank Highland Canine Connect for this donation,” concludes Chief Speake. “Funding is an issue for departments – but in addition to Jasper, Highland Canine Connect was able to provide Officer Ebke’s training and housing for the handler school, too.
“Jasper is a force multiplier in so many ways. I have so many great things to say about Highland Canine Connect. They are a fantastic organization and we truly appreciate everything they have done for our department.”
For the trainers who worked with Jasper, the process highlighted the rewards of initiatives like the non-profit’s Police Dog Donation program.
“I was tasked to fully train a rescued German Shepherd to be a Police K9 – and we did,” explains working dog trainer, Brooks Adair. “With the help of my amazing colleagues at Highland Canine, we turned Jasper into a full-time working Police K9. Seeing the good work he is going to do in his community is very rewarding!”
Brooks’ sentiments were echoed by Shana. “Jasper’s process, start-to-finish, was hands down one of best experiences I’ve seen unfold in my entire career,” she says. “Everyone who came together to make this happen deserves to give themselves a pat on the back! I know Jasper and Officer Ebke will make an amazing impact in their community.
“Let me just add, if you have donated in any way to Highland Canine Connect, you helped make this possible. This is what makes what we do so worth it!”
If you want to get involved with Highland Canine Connect – whether as a volunteer, or by making a donation – please reach out to us at connect@highlandcanine.com or by calling (704) 500-8367. Our programs would not be possible without the generous support of our donors and volunteers, and we thank you for making the donation of Jasper a success!
To keep up with K9 Jasper’s activity in Dewey Beach, you can follow the Dewey Beach Police Department on Facebook.
