Meet K9 Bonsai, the newest member of the West Chester Township Police Department K9 Unit!
The West Chester Board of Trustees accepted a contribution from the Jimenez family for a dual-purpose police canine and certification training at its regular meeting September 24, 2024. K9 Bonsai, a Dutch Shepherd, then spent time working with handler Police Officer Zachary Luensman at the Shallow Creek Kennels training facility in Sharpsville, PA.
Police say the addition of a third canine significantly enhances road patrol capabilities, reduces the need for canine mutual aid, and helps maintain effective and timely responses to calls. K9 Bonsai joins up with K9 Max and K9 Rico who started service in 2019 and 2018 respectively.
West Chester Police Chief Brian Rebholz awarded the Jimenez family the West Chester Police Chief's Award for their contribution to support the WPCD K9 Unit, made in partnership with the Matt Haverkamp Foundation, at the February 11, 2025 regular meeting of the Board of Trustees. (Watch the presentation starting around 2:24.)
The West Chester Police K9 Unit has continuously operated since 1993. A full complement typically includes three to four canines and handlers.
Connect with West Chester Police at www.WestChesterOH.org/Police.