The Glendale Police Department had the first five canines approved in 1980 by City Council. In November 1981, the department had eight canines patrolling the streets of Glendale. As a cost saving measure, the K-9 unit was unfortunately disbanded in 1988.

In 2005 the Glendale Police Department, under the direction of Chief Randy Adams, recognized the need for canines in a city our size. Up to then, the department would request canines from surrounding police departments, which delayed response times. In September 2005, Officers Shawn Sholtis and Maribel Feeley started canine patrol school. Officer Sholtis was introduced to his canine partner, Sam, and Officer Feeley was introduced to her canine partner, Yudy. Four weeks later, Sam and Yudy were on the streets of Glendale.

Six months later, in March of 2006, two new canines joined the ranks of the Glendale Police K9 Unit. Officer Robert Wynkoop was introduced to his canine partner, Marlin, and Officer Aaron Hamilton to his canine partner, Quwai. After four weeks of training, Marlin and Quwai joined Sam and Yudy in protecting the streets of Glendale.

The total cost to purchase and initially train one police dog is approximately $25,000. This does not include any maintenance training, equipment, or supplies, which adds up to thousands of dollars per K9 team each year.

The cost for the new K9s, training, equipment, veterinary treatment, and kenneling for the dogs is provided by generous donations from our community to the Glendale Police Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps the police department raise necessary funds. Without these donations we would not be able to provide the level of protection and service our dogs give to this community.

Our current K9 Team consists of the following:

Sgt. Shawn Sholtis, Supervisor
Ofc. Eric Meyer and K9 Jeff
Ofc. Paul Shubunka and K9 Dante
Ofc. Julian Cruz and K9 Coda
Undercover Narcotics detective and K9 Petey

The following K-9's have previously served the community at the Glendale Police Department:

Baron • Kreuger • Blue • Arras • Zahn • Botti • Fergie • Buddy • Sam • Yudy • Quwai • Marlin • Isy • Branko • Jäger • Duke • Idol • Mike • Eddie

To honor the service of all our heroic partners, a bronze K9 statue was donated as a Gold Award project by Girl Scout Brittany Lerian in 2016. The statue proudly sits in the lobby of the Glendale Police Department.