Canine Officers
The Strongsville Police Department's K-9 unit started in 1995. Our canine teams are valuable law enforcement tools that improve the operating efficiency and effectiveness of the patrol division.
These canines are resigstered with the Cuyahoga County Auditor's Office and are certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy as both Police Service Canines and Narcotics Detection Canines. Each canine team must return to agency-approved training centers for re-evaluation and recertification every two years.
Although the police dogs are owned by the city of Strongsville, a canine officer and his or her family have a 24-hour-a-day responsibility, and the canine is an important part of the family life. A canine officer's commitment to the canine is for the life of the dog, necessary because of the training and the bond that develops.
Duties of the K-9 teams include narcotics detection, tracking wanted or lost people, article searches, building searches and criminal apprehension. In addition, handlers are available for lectures and demonstrations for civic groups and school functions.
Storm
Storm is a German shepherd also from Slovakia. He and his handler, Officer Jason Miller, completed their training and were recognized by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission on Nov. 4, 2016. Storm is a dual-purpose police service dog and has been trained in narcotics detection, obedience, tracking, article search, handler protection and suspect apprehension.
Tito
Tito, a German shepard who was born in Slovakia, joined the department in 2019. He and his handler, Officer Patrick O'Sullivan, completed six weeks of training and are certified by the state as a dual-purpose K9 team, trained to sniff out illegal narcotics, track individuals, search for lost people and apprehend criminals.