In Memory of K9

In loving memory of those who have served and protected.  This gallery is dedicated to the service dogs of the Miami University Police Department's Canine Unit.


Figo

Figo

In 2013, Figo became the second canine to serve the Miami University Police Department upon the retirement of Ero. Figo took over the role of Explosives Detection Canine at Miami University. K-9 Figo is a Belgian Malinois that was trained to track fleeing suspects and missing persons and was also able to locate explosives. Although similar to the German Shephard dog in that they both are herding dogs, the Malinois have some distinct differences that benefit it for law enforcement duties. The Malinois is leaner and have a smaller build than that of a German Shepard allowing the Malinois to be more agile and faster. The Malinois also have an endless supply of energy allowing the dog to search for extended periods of time. The US Military have an extensive history of using the Malinois and many law enforcement agencies have in recent years began transitioning from the German Shepard to the Malinois.

Figo was born in Holland where he was selected by Vohne Liche Kennels to be a police service dog candidate. After successfully passing selection testing K-9 Figo was imported to the United States, purchased by the Department of Homeland Security, and ultimately partnered with Ptl. Hibbard. 

Figo retired from MUPD in November of 2020 and is enjoying his retirement at home with Hibbard.


Ero

Ero

In 2005, Ero became the first canine to serve the Miami University Police Department. Plt. Keith Hibbard began working with Ero in 2007. Ero was certified as a dual purpose canine, trained in patrol functions and explosives detection. The team was utilized for suspect apprehension, tracking, building and area searches as well as protective sweeps for events or bomb threats.
Ero was born in Germany where he was bred for the specific purpose of serving as a police service canine. Through a series of tests, Ero was found to have the appropriate combination of drives and abilities to be successful canine. It is estimated that only one out of every one hundred German Shepard Dogs will be able to match the strict standards of the German National Police.

Ero retired from MUPD on October 21st, 2013 and passed away on January 13th, 2014.