The Patrol K-9 Unit started in 1979 with a single tracking dog. Since then, 14 K-9 teams have served the City of Renton. Currently there is one K-9 team: Titan. The team is assigned to different shifts in the Patrol Operations Division so that their acute senses can be utilized to assist at crime scenes.
The safety of the public and other police officers is the primary concern of the members of the K-9 Unit. The dogs have a keen sense of smell, eyesight, and hearing, that allows them to locate hiding suspects easier, safer, and usually much quicker than officers searching by themselves.
The dogs are used to search open areas, buildings, and commercial yards for suspects. The psychological effect of having a dog present in a tense situation proves beneficial to all. Countless times the dog's presence has de-escalated violent scenes without the use of physical force. They also serve as ambassadors for the department, attending public events and demonstrations.
Handlers take their police car and dog home each day. The K-9 Unit provides seven-day a week coverage and is subject to callout at any time.
Officer Adam and Xander
Officer Adam was partnered with K9 Xander in late 2021. Xander is a 21-month old German Shepard from the United States. Xander received some Schutzhund training prior to being purchased by the Renton Police Department. (Schutzhund is known competitively as IGP, which is a dog sport that tests a dog's tracking, obedience, and protection skills, and evaluates if a dog has the appropriate traits and characteristics of a good working dog.) The two of them completed their training with the Pierce County Sheriff's Office and are currently on graveyard patrol.
Recently Retired
Officer Moynihan and Odin (retired January 2023)
Officer Moynihan has been with the Renton Police Department since 2014, and was partnered with K9 Odin in 2017. Odin is a four-year-old German Shepard from the United States. The two of them completed their training with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office in October of 2017 and have been working together and serving the community as a State Accredited Generalist K9 team. Odin retired from service in January 2023.
Officer Greenwade and Titan (retired January 2022)
Officer Greenwade has been with the Renton Police Department since 2010 and was partnered with K9 Titan in 2014. Titan is a six-year-old German Shepard from the United States. The two of them completed their training with the Pierce County Sheriff's Office in April of 2014, and have been working together and serving the community as a State Accredited Generalist K9 team. K9 Titan retired from service in January 2022.