MSHP adds new K-9 to its staff
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A new furry friend has joined the Missouri State Highway Patrol, bringing in another tool for the agency.
Toro is a year-and-a-half-old Dutch shepherd and has been with MSHP since September. He's the second K-9 assigned to Troop H.
Toro stays with his handler, Cpl. Nick Regan, at all times, will only take commands from him and live with Regan, too.
“These are extremely smart dogs compared to the two German shepherds I have at home,” Regan said. “This one is an elite dog.”
Sgt. Shane Hux with MSHP said the K-9 handler is considered a specialist position, and there are a few requirements.
“A minimum of three years with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, good work ethic and a positive attitude are the requirements,” Hux said.
Hux said, despite being a different species, Toro is treated the same as any MSHP trooper.
“Just like we take care of all of our employees. A K-9 for the Missouri State Highway Patrol is a trooper for us," Hux said. “Any time they're showing illness, sickness or get injured, they will get veterinarian care.”
Hux said that when Toro retires, he will either live with his handler or be given to another trooper.
"The handler gets the first option of taking that K-9," said Hux. "Then if that's not feasible for the handler, then another patrol employee."
Although Toro is in a line of duty, Regan said he is just like any dog.
“If you have a ball in your hands, that’s all he really wants. You get him working, he goes straight to work, just like any other officer,” Regan said. “He plays around, likes to play with other dogs and plays with my kids well.”
Hux said, overall, the MSHP is excited to have another K-9.
“You know, a K-9 is a great tool for us to have. The K-9 is trained in illegal controlled substances, handler protection and tracking and area searches, he said. “So, what I mean by area searches is evidence recovery. If we're pursuing someone and they throw out a firearm, or some type of controlled substance, then it's very important, you know, to be able to use that tool to cover that distance."
The MSHP has 11 K-9s statewide, and it will continue to work to add more furry friends to its team.
