K-9 AKI

Career Stats: Aki is a 10-year-old Belgium Malinois from Germany. He was selected in 2012 to be a narcotic detecting, patrol and SWAT police service dog. Aki was 2 ½ years old when he was placed with his handler, Deputy Greg Sherwood, with Utah County Sheriff’s Office. Aki and his Handler received their training from the Utah Police Officers Standards and Training K9 Program. In December of 2012 Aki was certified in suspect search/apprehension, tracking, and article detection. Aki was certified as a narcotic detecting dog in April of 2013. In September 2013 Aki attended SWAT Dog training and was certified as a Tactical Deployment Dog. Aki completed a 7 ½ year tour of duty, from 2012 to 2020, with the same handler.

Aki has over 530 deployments, over 169 narcotic finds, numerous high-risk SWAT deployments, and 26 suspect searches or arrests with finds/surrenders. Aki has given numerous demonstrations at schools, business, and community and church groups. Aki has won several awards at K9 competitions in Utah and Nevada. Including; 2019 Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) K9 Trials 1st place suspect area search, 2017 LVMPD 3rd place Agility, 2016 LVMPD K9 Trials 1st Place Suspect Area Search and 4th Place Agility, 2013 Utah Police Officers Association K9 Trials, 5th Place Obedience and 2nd Place Rookie Handler.

Aki has been present during three officer involved shootings. In 2014, Aki’s handler was shot in the head while pursuing the suspects in the homicide of a fellow deputy. Aki played an important role during the recovery of his handler and family. Aki presence was therapeutic for his handler and his handler’s son who was 11 years old at the time of the shooting. Six months after the shooting, Deputy Sherwood slowly started back to work, continuing Aki’s Training. They continued to patrol increasing time at work until returning to full duty 3 ½ years later. In October of 2018, Aki fell two stories during a burglary suspect search of an industrial building, injuring his spine and shoulder. Aki retired from duty in April of 2020. Aki has slowed down due to his injuries but is still able to get around and play fetch at home with his handler and family. Aki is getting use to retirement but is very excited to play when his handler returns home from shift.