Paws on Patrol: A Look Back at Northbrook’s First K9 Unit

The Northbrook Police Department launched its very first Canine Unit in 1970. The original team included three handlers and their German Shepherd partners: Baron, Sham, and Arko. The dogs were obtained with the help of veterinarian Dr. Prieser, then trained at the Chicago Police Canine Academy in tracking, building searches, and apprehension.

The K9s got right to work. In his very first year, while assisting the Skokie Police Department,  Arko helped apprehend a burglar hiding inside a store in Skokie.

We’re proud to look back on the history of the officers and four-legged partners who helped keep our community safe.

Pictured left to right: Officers James Wallace, Robert Jones, Michael Bergman, and Bruce Rudolph with K9s Baron, Sham, and Arko.