The Augusta Department of Public Safety (ADPS) Police Service Canine (K-9) Unit was first established in 1986. The first canine, "Rikki," was a German Shepherd trained in narcotics detection. "Rikki" was retired in the 1991 due to prostate cancer and hip Dysphasia.
In 1998, a second police service canine, "Rosie," was placed in service. "Rosie," a Chocolate Labrador Retriever, was trained in Narcotics detection and tracking/trailing. "Rosie" was obtained by funds from the Butler County Drug Task Force and purchased from T.A.S.K. in Texas. Sgt. Brit Robertson initially was selected as the handler for "Rosie." Sgt. Robertson left the Department in 2000 and Sgt. Chad McCluskey was teamed with "Rosie." "Rosie" was in service for 5 years before being retired in 2003. "Rosie" passed away on June 1, 2006 from cancer.
Once the decision was made that "Rosie" was close to retirement, we began a drive to collect donations to pay for her replacement. Several individuals and businesses donated monies to the fund and within two short months we had raised enough to purchase a replacement canine.
"Basco" was purchased in September of 2003 from Elliott's Police Canine in Hutchinson, Kansas. Sgt. McCluskey and "Basco" went through five rigorous weeks of training and returned as the new canine team on October 20, 2003. "Basco" was 3 1/2 years old when he was purchased and was imported from the Netherlands. "Basco" is trained in narcotics detection, tracking / trailing, patrol and criminal apprehension techniques, and evidence recovery.
Photograph courtesy of Larry Erickson Photography of Augusta.
The Department would like to recognize the following for their donations and support of the canine program. Without this support, the program could not be as successful as it has become.
Parks Motors and Chrysler Corporation, USD #402 - Augusta Schools, White Eagle Credit Union, Augusta Animal Clinic, CMC Concrete, Wichita Fence, Oilfield Shelters, Wal-Mart #346, Thomas Devlin, Lakepoint Nursing, Hartman Oil, Augusta Lions Club, Crime Stoppers of Augusta, Sigma Tek, Steven's Ford, Prairie State Bank, Northstar Kwik Tote, Dillons #18, Larry Erickson Photography, Augusta Chamber of Commerce, Rex and Brenda Moore, The Cottonwood Point Community, Augusta Ace Home Center and Kim and K-9 "Conner" - Friends of "Basco."
Photograph courtesy of Craig Hacker Photography.
