K9 Rook is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois and the newest K9 Officer with the Payson Police Department. Originally imported from Hungary, Rook was purchased through Next Level K9 and selected to serve the Payson community as a dual-purpose police K9.
Rook recently completed his patrol training and earned his Utah POST Patrol K9 certification. In this role, Rook is trained to assist officers with locating and apprehending suspects, conducting area and building searches, tracking, and helping protect officers and members of the community. This fall, Rook will continue his training by attending a Narcotics Detection Course. Upon completion, he will become the department’s first dual-purpose K9 in many years, capable of serving in both patrol and narcotics detection roles.
Rook is an extremely high-energy dog who loves to work. His favorite reward is his ball on a rope, and when he isn't training or working, he enjoys starting the day with a morning bike ride alongside his handler. His drive, energy, and eagerness to work make him a natural fit for police K9 work.
As the newest member of the Payson Police Department, Rook represents an important investment in the safety of Payson’s officers and community. Funding and community support will help provide the training, equipment, care, and resources necessary to keep Rook prepared to serve throughout his career.
