Late K-9 Bane handler gets new K-9 to train

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tyler Brooks got a new K-9 last week following the death of K-9 Bane in November 2023.

The new K-9, a 20-month-old German Shepherd, was selected out of several available dogs. He will go through a 12-week basic training course.

“During that time, they’ll be trained to detect drug odors, they’ll be trained to locate people, they’ll be trained to track, locate evidence, and all of the patrol functions that we need for a police dog to be effective for us within the agency,” said Brooks.

Brooks kids named the new K-9 Chase, after the Paw Patrol character.

“My kids were really fond of the last dog, Bane, and they were pretty sad when he passed away. So they wanted a chance to name this new dog, and it made them feel good to know they had something to do with this new dog,” said Brooks.

Brooks says just because he has K-9 Chase with him now does not mean they will be out in the field together.

“A lot of things depend on the dog’s characteristics and things that are revealed to us over those 12 weeks that we get to know each other,” said Brooks. “And if we find any characteristics that aren’t suitable for patrol, then we’re not hesitant to return the dog and get a different dog. One that’s gonna fit our needs within the county.”

Brooks says he is holding up pretty well since the death of K-9 Bane.

“Glad to be getting back into working with a dog again, and I’m excited to see where this dog goes,” said Brooks.

He says he is hopeful for K-9 Chase’s future.