MGIO K-9 Unit

The University of Arizona Police Department currently has 5 active service K-9s. The dogs and their respective handlers are certified in bomb detection, drug detection and patrol assistance. In addition to assisting UAPD officers, K-9 units assist outside agencies such as Tucson Police, M.A.N.T.I.S., The Department of Public Safety, U.S. Customs and D.E.A. UAPD K-9 Units hold public demonstrations and have competed in various competitions. Each unit is a member of The National Police Canine Association and The Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association.

K-9 Lobo The University of Arizona Police Department Mt. Graham Unit Breed: German Shepherd DOB: January 1, 2000 Weight: 84 pounds Height: 29 inches Certification: NPCA-Narcotics, Handler Protection Language: Commands in German Lobo says, "If you find a gun, do not touch it; leave it alone and tell an adult where the gun is."

K-9 Dag The University of Arizona Police Department Mt. Graham Unit Breed: German Shepherd Date of Birth: May 1999 Weight: 75 pounds Height: 24 inches Certification: NPCA-Narcotics, Handler Protection Language: Commands in German Dag says, “Make the right choice, stay in school and say no to drugs.”

K-9 Hunter The University of Arizona Police Department Mt. Graham Unit Breed: German Shepherd Date of Birth:October 2005 Weight: 80pounds Height: 27 inches Certification: NPCA, Handler Protection, Titled Czech SVV1 Language: Commands in Czech Hunter says, “If you get lost while hiking, stay in one place so you can be found.”

K-9 Ranger
Sept. 1995 - Jan. 2007
University of Arizona Police Department

Ranger started with the University Police Department in March of 1997, and served with the Mt. Graham unit during his time. He was certified through the National Police Canine Association for Tracking, Patrol and Handler Protection. Diagnosed with Bone Cancer in August 2006, he was retired shortly thereafter and stayed at home with his handler, Ron Smallwood and family, until his death on January 31, 2007, at age 11.

Among some of Ranger’s most notable accomplishments was the assistance he lent to the Graham County area law enforcement agencies; the federal, state, county and city police departments. Due to his heightened sense of smell and instinctive ability, he was a natural born tracker, and lived for the chase. He was called upon numerous times to assist with locating escaped prisoners, one who hiked over Mt. Graham passing by the telescopes, and another who fled through the desert by the UofA office. Both these offenders were eventually captured.

Ranger was also utilized by the Greenlee County Sheriffs Department for the search of a buried homicide victim, as well as tracking an inmate who swam through the Gila River. Ranger also helped the Graham County Sheriff's Department Search and Rescue unit on numerous occasions throughout the Gila Valley.

But for all of his agency support, Ranger will be most likely remembered by the elementary school children who he entertained annually at career days, the county fair, and Health and Safety events. Due to his loveable, approachable, outgoing personality, he was known throughout the community as a University of Arizona Police Department representative and one who will be surely missed.

JOS - 1996
University of Arizona Police Department

Officer Mike Thomas and his K-9 partner "Jos" had conducted a drug search in Tucson for Tucson PD. They did not know at the time that it was a meth lab. Shortly after, during the Clark Peak fire on Mt. Graham, K-9 "Jos" was exposed to a lot of smoke from the fire. Jos suffered from major breathing problems and died quickly. It was determined later that Jos suffered damage to his lungs resulting in extensive scaring. It was determined that the lung damage was attributed to the meth lab search which lead to his death.

To read a complete biography and view a photo gallery of Jos, please visit:

Arizona K9 Memorial