The National Police Dog Foundation is happy to announce that it has teamed up with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) HQ Canine and Equine Oversight Program and the DHS Canine and Equine Governance Board (CEGB) to assist in the medical needs of retired DHS K-9s. These K-9s have devoted their lives to protecting our nation’s borders, national interests, transportation systems, and public arenas. The use of K-9s by DHS to protect our nation is growing rapidly.
An example of this growth can be seen in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) passenger screening program where K-9s play an important role in the effective and efficient screening of passengers through airport checkpoints.
TSA’s Canine Training Center (CTC) provides highly trained Explosives Detection Canines and Passenger Screening Canine teams for deployment throughout the nation’s transportation system. Through the CTC, TSA provides detection capability, visible deterrence, and a timely and mobile response to security threats. The CTC is also responsible for providing up-to-date training on various canine-related matters for personnel who support securing transportation systems across the country.
In the fiscal year 2017, TSA funded 1,047 total canine teams, of which 372 were designated as Passenger Screening K-9s. Working with DHS and Congress, TSA has expanded the amount of Passenger Screening K-9’s to 500 teams with hopes to double in the near future allowing TSA to use canine teams to screen more than an estimated 30 percent of the traveling public. Additionally, TSA currently supports 675 teams led by state and local law enforcement agencies who participate in the National Explosives Detection Canine Training Program. This program has a waiting list from state and local law enforcement for an additional 128 teams.
Part of (DHS) Canine and Equine Governance Board’s 2019 goals and objectives are to develop Canine Quality of Life After Service Resources. The board will maintain a master list of available assistance programs and/or resources for retired canines. These programs offer consumables, financial assistance, reduced medical services, and other needs for retired DHS canines.
The National Police Dog Foundation is committed to helping the DHS Canine and Equine Governance Board reach its goals.
DHS’s K-9s who fell in the line-of-duty during 2018 will be honored on May 11, 2019, during the 2nd Annual Police K-9 Memorial Service-a part of the official events of Police Week in Washington, DC.
Background: In May 2018, the Deputy Under Secretary for Management established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Canine and Equine Governance Board (CEGB) to facilitate the identification, development, and implementation of best practices across the Department while working to harmonize Component requirements for canines and horses. The effort is led by the DHS Headquarters Canine and Equine Oversight Program under the Office of the Chief Readiness Support Officer and is a direct result of the 2017 DHS Canine Integrated Team.
DHS Canine Departments include: • Management Directorate (MGMT) − Office of the Chief Readiness Support Officer (OCRSO) − Office of Chief Security Officer (OCSO) • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) − Agriculture − Office of Field Operations (OFO) − United States Border Patrol (USBP) • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) • Federal Protective Service (FPS) • Transportation Security Administration (TSA) • United States Coast Guard (USCG) • United States Secret Service (USSS)
Our Retired K-9 Medical Fund offers Retired K-9’s handlers grants that assist with costs related to emergency medical expenses. Unlike human officers, K-9 officers do not receive a pension. Medical expenses, often related to active duty, now fall on the benevolant handler who is taking care the K-9 in retirement. The National Police Dog Foundation commends these K-9s for their dedication and service, and is proud to assist in the medical emergency care for retired K-9s. These dogs have given their whole lives to protect us, its time to give something back. Please click on the button below to donate to our Retired K-9 Medical Fund. The K-9s need your help.
.fusion-button.button-6{width:auto;}CLICK HERE To Donate to our retired K-9 Medical Fund