K-9 Unit

There are two K-9 teams in service at the Normal Police Department. The K-9s and handlers not only assist the Patrol Division, but also the Department’s VICE Unit and other local law enforcement agencies. The unit conducts vehicle searches, building searches, suspect tracking, area searches, and article searches. K-9 officers also conduct school searches at the request of school administrations.


Both K-9 teams received their training at Vohnliche Kennels located in Denver, Indiana. The Department canines are trained to respond to drug odors in the passive alert manner.


Current K-9 Officers

  • Thor, a full-service Belgian Malinois, began his tour of duty in May of 2017.
  • Kira, a full-service Belgian Malinois, began her tour of duty in June 2019.

Retired K-9 Officers


  • The first Normal Police Department K-9 was Eros, a German Shepherd. After seven years of service, Eros retired in April, 2000. He passed away in 2005.
  • Drake was a full-service German Shepherd born in Belgium. He served the department for five years, retiring in 2004. Drake passed away in February, 2008.
  • Wrigley, a Labrador Retriever, was a narcotic detection K-9 who served the department from 2000-2007. He passed away in the Fall of 2008 at the age of 11.
  • Rico was a full-service Belgian Malinois K-9 who served the Department from 2004 - 2012. He passed away in February of 2015.
  • Barrett, a full-service Belgian Malinois, began his tour of duty in July, 2012 and retired May 2019.  Barrett passed away in 2021.
  • Gunner, a Belgian Malinois, served from 2008 to 2017. Gunner was born in the Netherlands and was a full-service K-9.  Gunner passed away in 2018.