Concord police hardly dogging it as latest K9 is ‘born for this job”

CONCORD, CA (Apr. 22, 2025) — The Police Department’s K9 ranks are back to three, and the latest member is already displaying instincts of a seasoned veteran.

“K9 Jax is a true workhorse,” said his handler, Cpl. Paul VanDiver. “While he’s calm by nature, he has an incredible ability to switch into ‘work mode’ at the drop of a hat.

“K9 Jax was born for this job,” he added.

The German Shepherd is taking over for K9 Rita, also a German Shepherd who hailed from the Czech Republic and partnered with VanDiver for the past five years. She’s now enjoying her retirement with the corporal’s family.

VanDiver has served with CPD since 2008, having held various roles, including K9 officer and K9 corporal.

Police K9s are required to complete an intensive six-week basic K9 training course with the handler, where they must demonstrate proficiency in police work and pass the California Basic Police Officer Standards and Training K9 certification. After five weeks, K9 Jax went on patrol in early April.

From Ferrari to Mercedes

K9 Jax and VanDiver join Officer Roy Olson and K9 Tripp, who have been on duty since December 2023, and Officer Daren Billington and K9 Rico, who partnered starting in December 2024.

While VanDiver likened the agency’s other K9s to Marines who respond like Ferraris that “go through a wall for you,” he characterized K9 Jax as Air Force and a Mercedes operating with a diesel engine – taking “a methodical approach” to tackling the task at hand.

The daily routine for the duo begins with a hike and basic obedience training, using toys and treats as rewards. The team works swing shifts, starting in the late morning and finishing about 9:30 p.m.

“Though we handle routine police calls, K9 Jax and I are always ready to assist in high-risk situations, such as missing persons, vehicle stops, burglaries or dangerous scenarios where a K9’s skills are vital,” VanDiver said.

“Like any job, it’s rewarding to have a partner you can trust. The bond between a K9 and their handler is unparalleled – there’s an unspoken sense of protection and camaraderie that’s hard to find elsewhere,” he added.

Training on and off duty

Still, he acknowledged come challenges that come with being a K9 officer.

“You must have a genuine desire to work with a dog, along with the right home environment to meet the specific housing needs of our K9 partners. They require constant care, feeding and training – both on and off duty,” he said.

“Additionally, K9 officers are often called to dangerous and high-risk situations, and with that responsibility comes a unique set of liabilities, such as potential K9 apprehensions and bites,” continued VanDiver.

The Concord Police K9 Association has been continuously operating since 1965, according to Lt. Shasta Vanetti. Echoing VanDiver’s views about the vital role the animals play not only within the city of Concord but also in the surrounding communities, Vanetti noted that more than 70 police service dogs have worked in patrol and specialized units through the decades. They’re expertly trained in tracking and trailing individuals and objects, as well as detecting narcotics or firearms/ammunition.

History of K9s in Pleasant Hill, too

CPD’s neighbors next door, the Pleasant Hill Police Department, has held a similar distinction with its K9 forces. Its most recent K9, Bodie, died last July and the agency has not yet filled that role.

PHPD’s K9 unit started in 2004, and Bodie and Cpl. Andrew Kuhn were the sixth K9 team in its history, having partnered from May 2020 to July 2024, according to Sgt. Ron Priebe.

The department previously maintained two handler/dog teams in its patrol division, and Priebe served as a handler with his K9 Muzzy from 2008 to 2014. Muzzy retired from service when Priebe was promoted to corporal.

“There is also the added connection that comes from a K9 giving their all to their work, including protection for their handler and other officers in dangerous situations,” said Priebe. “They are selfless and highly motivated, making our officers somewhat safer in high-risk situations.”

He noted many in the Pleasant Hill community will remember Bodie from his regular appearances as part of the annual National Night Out events.

For VanDiver, solving crimes and helping people alongside his K9 partner has been an extraordinary experience. “Working with K9s has allowed me to educate the public through events and demonstrations, which I thoroughly enjoy,” he reported. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the joy on people’s faces when they meet our K9s.”

But when it is time to work, Jax, like his fellow K9s, is laser focused.

“Always training, always learning,” said VanDiver of the mindset he sees in K9 Jax.