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Radar, Metro Transit’s first K-9, retires

More K-9s joining the police force

Partners for six years, Metro Transit Police Captain Bob Elmers and his dog Radar present a confident team. With a sweep of his hand, the officer signals the German shepherd to come to attention. The dog quickly assumes a poised position.

When Elmers demonstrates a crouching stance he might use to track a suspect without getting noticed, Radar — a Metro Transit Police K-9 — follows suit.

Elmers, who became a police officer in 1973 and a K-9 handler in 1988, became Radar’s partner while working for the Minneapolis Police Department’s K-9 unit. In 2002, both were hired by Transit Police, making Radar the department’s first K-9.

Radar can smell explosives, track suspects and search buildings. He has maintained a high public profile with Elmers, riding alongside him in a patrol car or on a bus or train.

The two were introduced when Radar was just four months old. “Here was this little dog with floppy ears,” Elmers said. “His paws were the same size they are now. The moment I opened the kennel door, we bonded.”

Because of recent changes in his job, Elmers won’t have time to maintain Radar as a K-9. In January, Radar gives up his badge and retires from duty. Radar will stay as Elmers’ personal dog.

Labradors are newest K-9s

Elmers said that Radar had the right temperament for his job. “He loves being around people. He could be in tight areas with a lot of people — that doesn’t bother him.”

While K-9s serve a serious function, they help officers break the ice with transit customers.

That public interaction is an important role for a K-9, said Interim Transit Police Chief Dave Indrehus. “The public appreciates seeing K-9s riding along with commuters,” he said.

This February, three more dogs will be added to the K-9 unit. Expanding the force is an unfortunate reality of the times, Indrehus said. Since 9-11, transit systems across the country have increased security measures. The new dogs will be trained to find explosives.

“These dogs work quickly and accurately,” he said. “They’ll help us be prepared for any situation.”

The three new dogs — all Labradors — will join a German shepherd named Holly on the force for three years. Transit Police Lt. Gordon Greenwaldt, who is Holly’s handler, will work with the officers assigned to be handlers.