Named after the first Plano Police Canine service dog, Hero, the fund helps pay the bills of retired police canines' so they can live out the remainder of their lives in relative comfort. Typical expenses covered by the fund include food, veterinary treatments for routine and accidental injuries, periodic boarding costs, and memorial or funeral related bills.

While on active duty status, the City of Plano provides for the health care of our working canine partners. When a canine has become unsuitable for police patrol service work because of age or physical disability, the canine is retired from active duty. Once a canine is retired, the handler is offered the option to purchase the animal from the City and in doing so assumes the expenses associated with owning a retired service animal.

Retired police dogs don't just suffer from the normal ailments associated with aging but also the serious wear and tear that comes from years of rigorous training and working, including arthritis, hip and knee injuries, torn ligaments, and back and spinal problems. The Hero Fund is dedicated to assisting with these bills. It is a small price to pay for all the hard work they gave and is our way of saying thanks.

In addition to public donations from individuals and corporations, The Hero Fund periodically hosts fundraisers throughout the year such as departmental luncheons, merchandise sales, and public demonstrations. It is with these funds that The Hero Fund is able to ensure the health and comfort of our service canines in their post service years.

The Plano Police Canine Unit was formed in 1983 to assist Patrol Officers in our community with tracking or trailing of a fleeing suspect, tracking or locating a lost or missing child, elderly adult, and mentally challenged individuals. Canine are also trained to search areas or buildings for hidden suspects, officer and handler protection, apprehension of a fleeing suspect, evidence searching, and narcotic detection. The types of narcotics commonly searched for include Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine, Methamphetamine/ Amphetamine, and Ecstasy.

At the current time, the Plano Police Canine Unit consists of three Officer handlers and three Canines and are assigned to the Patrol Services Division.

The cost of an effective police dog service team is expensive. The average cost of purchasing these dogs ranges from $8,000 to $12,000. Typically, the dogs are between two and four years old when purchased. The cost is dependent on several factors, such as: breed (usually German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois), location of the kennel from where the dog is purchased, certifications that the dog has earned, and the availability of the dog when one is needed.

Other costs associated with a Canine Unit include: the Canine Unit vehicle, the handler's pay and training, and the daily expenses necessary for the continued health of the dog (food and veterinary care). We believe that the police canine is one of the most valuable tools today in law enforcement -- both as a deterrent to crime as well as apprehending those who commit crimes.

Past Members of the Plano Police Canine Unit

Since 1983, twelve canines have severed in the Unit for an average of 4.5 years.

Current Members of the Plano Police Canine Unit

The following canines are actively serving as with the Plano Police Canine Unit: