salem's k9 unit

K9 Simon and K9 Argo

K9 Simon and K9 Argo are specialty trained in narcotics detection, building searches, article searches, tracking, apprehensions, and protection.

Patrolman Michael Garber & K9 Simon

Patrolman Garber is a 12-year veteran of the City of Salem Police Department and has been a canine handler for 5 of those years. His partner, Simon, is a 8-year-old Belgian Malinois. Simon's birthday is April 13, 2015. Fun Fact: "At home, Simon acts just like a dog. At the police department... Simon is a crazy dog and super focused on his police work!"

Patrolman Steve LaRosa & K9 Argo

Patrolman LaRosa is a 18-year veteran of the City of Salem Police Department and has been a canine handler for 3 of those years. His partner, Argo, is a 8-year-old Belgian Malinois. Argo's birthday is October 19, 2015. Fun Fact: "Argo is like a switch. He wants attention and belly rubs one minute when we are at the police station, but when he hops in the K9 vehicle, Argo knows it is time to go to work!"

Partnership

After their police workday, the canines go home where they are truly part of the officer’s family. Simon and Argo enjoy the family home and family outings just like any other traditional pet. The bond that develops between the officer and the canine is exceptionally strong.

About Us

Where did K9 Simon and K9 Argo Come From?

K9 Simon was born in Holland while K9 Argo was born in the Czech Republic. Both canines received their initial training at Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, PA. Shallow Creek is dedicated to providing law enforcement agencies with the highest quality police service dogs imported from Europe.

Dispatching K9 Units

Salem's K9 Unit is used whenever possible to augment the City of Salem’s police work and provide mutual support with local police departments by using the canine’s specialized abilities. Salem's K9 Unit is available for dispatch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Skills and Training

Salem's K9 officers maintain a high level of proficiency and skills necessary to maintain their certification. Patrolmen Garber and LaRosa train once a week. Enhanced training prepares the teams for situations where the dog's abilities and keen senses are needed to better serve their fellow officers and citizens.

Thank You!

The City of Salem, due to our aging cruisers, recently purchased 2 new cruisers for both Simon and Argo