The relationship between a handler and K9 is often built on loyalty and partnership.
The relationship between a handler and K9 is often built on loyalty and partnership.
Both are present in the bond between Geauga County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tre Richardson and his K9, Dunkan — the newest to serve in the unit alongside littermate K9 Rookie.
“We are very excited to add another trained K9 to our K9 team,” said Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand. “Dunkan will be a great addition to not only Geauga County but also a valuable member of the Ashtabula Geauga and Lake County Bomb Squad. We are very happy to bring on Tre and Dunkan to the sheriff’s office and I am looking forward to them meeting the residents of the county.”
Joining the sheriff’s office first part time in 2025 and now full time is a meaningful milestone for Richardson.
In summer 2020, while completing his undergraduate degree, Richardson interned with the Division of Security at Cedar Point.
Midway through the summer, he requested to work under a third-party canine explosives handler with Excel K9 Services stationed at the park. Richardson assisted by hiding training odors throughout the park and learning about explosive detection operations and the capabilities of working dogs.
The experience sparked a deeper interest in K9 work and planted a seed for his future career.
Professional Career Begins
Richardson began his professional law enforcement career in February 2022 when he was hired by the University of Akron Police Department.
During interviews, the department’s chief expressed interest in creating a new K9 program.
Four months later, the K9 handler position opened, and Richardson applied and was hired.
In fall 2022, he selected Dunkan — a yellow Labrador Retriever born in Colombia, and later trained in Florida — as his partner because of the dog’s high drive and work ethic. The pair completed K9 school and began serving together.
Dunkan was purchased by Excel K9 and funded through a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant.
For three years, Dunkan and Richardson served the university, patrolling and providing security.
“Throughout his career, Dunkan has been a tremendous asset to campus safety,” Richardson said.
He added that the dog enjoyed interacting with students, staff and community members, serving as both a working K9 and a positive ambassador for the department.
“His friendly demeanor off duty and professional focus on duty make him especially unique,” Richardson said.
Dunkan’s career highlights include assisting with security operations for Vice President J.D. Vance and supporting operations involving professional sports teams in Cleveland.
“Looking back, what started as an internship experience became the foundation for my career,” Richardson said. “It truly came full circle.”
Leaving the university was bittersweet for Richardson, a former student-athlete with deep ties to the campus.
“But my chief was incredibly supportive and genuinely happy for my future,” Richardson said. “He made it clear he would never separate the bond between me and Dunkan, recognizing how strong that partnership is, and he agreed to sign off on the necessary paperwork to complete Dunkan’s transfer so we could continue working together full time at the sheriff’s office.”
When off duty, Dunkan enjoys playing fetch. But when it is time to work, he is focused and professional, Richardson said.
“I believe Dunkan knows that Rookie is his brother,” he said.
The two dogs train together weekly and are certified in explosives detection and tracking.
Critical Assets to Law Enforcement
Sgt. Jacob Smith, who leads the K9 unit, said the addition of Dunkan strengthens the department’s capabilities.
“Locating an explosives canine team is time critical and can be difficult, as there are very few in northeast Ohio,” Smith said. “With the addition of Deputy Richardson and Dunkan, we will be able to quickly respond to any situation that requires our assistance, with many calls coming from surrounding counties.”
When a law enforcement agency receives a threat, the area must be searched.
“Attempting to complete this with one canine is strenuous on the dog, especially in large facilities,” Smith said. “With two teams, the area to search becomes more reasonable and this assists in the prevention of fatigue.”
Dunkan also excels at tracking suspects and missing persons.
“Some of the tracks that we perform extend long distances,” Smith said. “When this occurs, a second K9 can be deployed from where the primary team shows signs of exhaustion. Rookie and Dunkan have always gotten along well. While they don’t engage in much play during training, they often work side by side on obedience drills and odor detection exercises, maintaining their professionalism while still clearly recognizing one another. This is the first time, in this area, that I have known of two law enforcement K9s from the same litter working at an agency.”
One meaningful moment came when Dunkan and Rookie celebrated their last birthday together at the university alongside other agency canines.
Since joining the sheriff’s office full time, Richardson said the transition has been wonderful.
“Everyone has been welcoming — not only to me, but to Dunkan as well — and that has meant more than I can put into words,” Richardson said. “As I learned more about the sheriff’s office and the opportunities that come with serving this community, I realized this is truly a dream department for me. I am extremely excited not only to work for such a caring and supportive community but great leadership, and I look forward to continuing to sharpen my skills, becoming not only a better K9 handler, but a better law enforcement officer all around.”
The sheriff’s office canine unit includes Smith with K9 Rookie; Deputy Josh Wendl with K9 Argo; Deputy Randy Primer with K9 Justice; and Richardson with K9 Dunkan.
Deputy Michael Wilson recently lost his partner, Ash, and will begin training with a new K9 in April at Excel K9.
“I look forward to the addition of Deputy Richardson and K9 Dunkan to our unit,” Smith said. “They will be well liked throughout the county. We would also like to send our appreciation to the residents of Geauga County who support our office and our unit. Thank you.”
