Meet Paige, Hurricane police welcome new K-9 team member

HURRICANE – The Hurricane City Police Department is welcoming a new member to their team as they begin their new K-9 Program. Paige, a 3-year-old Belgium Malinois female, is currently being trained in narcotic detection and criminal apprehension.

Hurricane City Police Officer Jayson Despain receives a new K-9 partner named Paige, Hurricane, Utah, 2014 | Photo courtesy of the Hurricane City Police Department, for St. George News
Hurricane City Police Officer Jayson Despain receives a new K-9 partner named Paige, Hurricane, Utah, 2014 | Photo courtesy of the Hurricane City Police Department, for St. George News

“We are excited for the opportunity to bring a dual purpose K9 dog to our department,” Hurricane City Police Sgt. Brandon Buell said in a press statement. “This is something we have been working toward for years and it was able to come together this year.”

Buell said the department looked at the benefits of having a K-9 Program as part of their police force and the added investigative tool it will bring.

Although the expense of a K-9 Program can be costly, Buell said with the help of asset forfeiture money, they were able to fund the program and purchase a K-9.

“She is in great shape, well-trained and extremely well-behaved,” Buell said.

Paige will be teamed up with her partner, Officer Jayson Despain, who has been working with the Hurricane City Police Department for 10 years. Despain is currently going through handler training with Paige.

“The program will be a great asset to our community and our commitment to detect and apprehend those involved in drug related crimes,” Buell said.

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5 Comments

  • SAGEMOON July 15, 2014 at 8:35 am

    Beautiful dog. I’m sure she’ll do a great job.

    • CometCollie July 15, 2014 at 11:22 am

      She’ll never shoot your family dog.

  • Doug Bringhurst July 15, 2014 at 4:23 pm

    Great addition to the police force! Maybe the new elected city officials are going to start supporting the Police Department.

  • San July 16, 2014 at 3:21 pm

    I’m impressed…they picked a great breed…maybe the best. Wa City has a Belgian named Hunter. Maybe that’s how they decided. 🙂 Thank you Despain for doing all the intensive training involved in being a handler!!!!

    • My Evil Twin August 8, 2014 at 7:23 pm

      The Malinois is not nearly as subject to hip dysplasia as a German Shepherd is. And they have a bite like an alligator! The right dog, with the right handler is an asset to any LE agency. I’d like to see every agency in the county with one or two dog/officer partners.

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