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Died – 8/26/20
Handler – Officer Paul Hines
It is with sadness that the Prescott Valley Police Department said goodbye today to retired German Shepherd K9 Kio. Kio, 13, had been recently diagnosed with cancer. He was handled by and retired with Officer Paul Hines. Kio came to the department in January 2010 from the Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana, and was purchased through a generous donation from the Yavapai County Community Foundation. He was named by Margaux Sarno of the Coyote Springs Elementary School through the Police Department’s “Name our K9 Contest.” Kio was selected from a group of more than 100 dogs to replace his predecessor, Joey, also handled by and retired with Officer Hines. His training included tactical tracking, narcotics detection, SWAT operations, criminal apprehension, and obedience, which lead to some impressive accomplishments during his tenure with Hines. Among the more than 500 arrests he assisted in with Hines, Kio helped to apprehend two car thieves who were running from the police on Mingus Mountain, and a suspect wanted for kidnapping, aggravated assault and rape. He located 837 pounds of illegal drugs and narcotics with a street value of more than $285,000, and he assisted with the seizure of 216 vehicles. Kio retired with the Hines family in 2015 after five years of successful service. Officer Hines now handles the young Belgian Malinois Groot. Rest in peace, Kio, your service is much appreciated. Thank you both for your service and dedication.
