“Tails” of K9: Meet Hondo
Hondo is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois and has served SDPD’s K9 Unit for 3 years. He is a member of the Special Response Canine (SRC) team that deploys with SWAT and can detect firearms.
Hondo’s assistance was requested by SWAT during an almost 30-hour standoff. A man had fired a gun at his neighbors and then barricaded himself in his home. Armored vehicles were used to open exterior walls, creating a pile of rubble and exposed nails. Hondo was able to navigate through the rubble, climb into the house, and locate the suspect who was found to be hiding in a bathtub. The man attempted to stop Hondo, but he remained resilient and stayed with the suspect who was unable to continue to fight with SWAT officers. Because of Hondo’s excellence, no officers were injured in the incident, and Hondo only received a few scrapes on his paws.
Like police officers, police canines have diverse specialties and serve various units. The “Tails” of K9 series highlights K9 Crimefighters that serve SDPD and our community.
Last year, the K9 Unit responded to over 21,000 calls, working 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the entire city, benefitting all our communities.
Hondo was generously donated through the Police Foundation by K9 Champions Marcia and Richard Leake.
