K9 Unit

The Johnston Police Department has welcomed a new member to their team - our first Dual-Purpose K9. Officer Petermeier is the proud handler of Buck. 

About our K9

Our K9 officer is a highly skilled and versatile asset to our team, having undergone rigorous training in various disciplines. “Buck”, a Belgian Malinois (mal-an-wha), is certified in traditional patrol dog skillsets such as apprehension, evidence recovery, building searches, article searches, and tracking lost or runaway persons. Additionally, Buck will advance the community caretaking and homeland security mission of the police department as a certified explosives detection and terrorism pre-emption service animal. Buck’s handler, Officer Dylan Petermeier, joined the Johnston Police Department in 2019 and has served as a patrol officer, bike patrol officer, field training officer, firearms instructor, and QRT member. His service record also includes six years with the United States Air Force Security Forces.

Stay up-to-date with our K9 by following "Bucks" Instagram @JPDK9. 

JPD K9 Unit logo
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Our Sponsors

In spring 2022, the Johnston City Council authorized the police department to launch a police canine program to enhance public safety services in the growing city. The Johnston Police Officers Association partnered with multiple community sponsors to raise funds exceeding $100,000, covering all start-up costs for the program. The expenses included purchasing the animal, training for both the animal and handler, acquiring necessary housing equipment, and a dedicated patrol vehicle with emergency equipment. In October 2023, a dual-purpose canine team was implemented for the city.

K9 Sponsorships

Information about our K9 Unit

The brochures below provide detailed information about our K9 unit and associated costs.

Click the image below (PDF) to learn more about the costs associated with the K9 program.

K9 fast fact sheet_UPDATED 11.6.23

Click on the image below (PDF) to view and learn all about the K9 program.

K9 unit brochure

Donations

If you would like to send a donation to help support our four-legged member, please send it in the form of a check made out to the "Johnston Police Department K9 Program" to the address shown below. Tax deductible donations of any amount are welcome and appreciated. All donations are payable to the Johnston Police Officers Association, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, with “K9 Fund” placed in the memo line.

Johnston Police Officers Association
Attention: Officer Petermeier
6373 Merle Hay Road
Johnston, IA  50131
Donations can also be made through Donor Box at https://bit.ly/JohnstonK9.

Contact information:
Lt. Anthony Yeager
Ph: 515-278-2345
Email Lt. Yeager