KPD welcomes newest officer, 'Midas'

Mark Dennis of the Kennett Police Department, left, and Scott Tarpley, co-owner of Canine Unlimited of Tulsa, Inc., right, stand with KPD's newest member, Midas, center.

Photo provided

Earlier this month, KPD Officer Mark Dennis made a trip to Tulsa, Okla., to pick up the department's newest member, and his new partner, Midas, a certified police dog.

According to Dennis, Midas was purchased in January from Canine Unlimited of Tulsa, Inc., after the department began looking to get a canine in December 2009.

"[We] started [looking] basically the second or third week in December," Dennis said. "[Our] goal at that time was we were going to try to get a dog from the Air Force. In mid-January, we found out it was going to be about a year to a year and a half before we would be eligible to go to San Antonio, [Texas], to look at their dogs. This didn't even mean that they would necessarily have a dog available at that time."

It was at this same time that Dennis said the department was informed of the opportunity to get the animal from Canine Unlimited.

Dennis said the department began speaking with Scott Tarpley, co-owner of Canine Unlimited, who was contacted through Kennett resident Mark Ellis.

"Through the generosity of the community and surrounding areas, we had enough funds to go ahead and purchase [Midas]," Dennis said, adding that through the donations, the department was able to fully equip the canine police car with an in-car kennel, decals, a tinted back glass, extra warning lights, and a bail out system that is used to pop the door open if the dog is needed quickly. The donations also helped the department purchase a body armor vest, a bite sleeve, an overdose kit, first aid kits, and other training aids and supplies for the canine.

According to Canine Unlimited, Midas will "set new standards" for police work in Missouri.

"We at Canine Unlimited are thrilled that we were able to place Midas on the Kennett Police Department," Tarpley said. "This dog will set new standards in Missouri for excellence in police work.

"Midas is certified as an [International Prufungor-den (IPO)] 3 in the Netherlands which requires approximately one year per title. Midas surpasses the training experience of most dogs in the United States because of the cost of training such a dog. Thousands of hours have been put into him to get him to Kennett, Mo. Midas also has an 'A' stamp on his pedigree, indicating that there has been no evidence of dysplasia for 25 generations.

"We are looking forward to working with Mark Dennis and Midas very soon to make these guys an excellent 'team.' they will be certified by standards that surpass the supreme court for requirements of police dogs in service."

Tarpley said he was honored that the KPD chose Midas over its other choices.

Dennis, who volunteered for the program, left with Midas today, Sunday, March 21, heading to Tulsa for a certification program.

"As soon as we get done, we are on the street," Dennis said, adding that the KPD K-9 Unit will be used in Kennett, as well as surrounding areas. "We will go wherever, whenever, as long as there is not a need in Kennett."