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MPD’s K-9 unit: Enforcing both the law and a bond
T-R PHOTO BY TAMMY R. LAWSON Celebrating two years on the force, Creasy, who is cared for by Officer Kiel Stevenson, is one of two specially-trained canines taking a bite out of crime throughout Marshalltown.
Sure, all dogs enjoy a good romp now and then.
Even those of the Marshalltown Police Department’s K-9 unit.
But during a shift, a bad guy on the run becomes an object of desire – and they mean business.
“The dog thinks, ‘Hey, there’s a toy there and I’m going to play tug-of-war with it,’” said Officer Melinda Ruopp. “But, they are trained how to bite by our commands.”
The canine program began back in 1981 as retired Sgt. John Ruopp acquired the first dog, Lugar.
Since that time, five others have become part of the force, including its current four-legged additions Awol, belonging to Ruopp, and Creasy to Officer Kiel Stevenson.
