They don’t enlist or choose the assignment, but they never hesitate when called into danger. For decades, military and law enforcement K-9s have quietly stood on the front lines, using instinct, training and unshakable loyalty to protect the people beside them.
March 13 is recognized as National K-9 Veterans Day, a date set aside to honor these working dogs who have served alongside America’s military and law enforcement agencies. Since the U.S. military first began employing Military Working Dogs, more than 30,000 have served, with roughly 1,600 currently on active duty. Trained to detect explosives, drugs and contraband, track suspects and assist in search-and-rescue operations, these dogs routinely put themselves in harm’s way, often in situations where human senses fall short.
That legacy of service extends beyond combat zones and national agencies into our local communities. The Tulsa Police Department’s K-9 Unit was established in 1962 with just two officers. Today, the unit includes 11 dual purpose dogs certified in patrol and narcotics work, partnered with 11 handlers and overseen by a lieutenant and sergeant.
The K-9 Unit exists to support field officers on a wide range of calls, deploying primarily on felony crimes. The canines are trained in building and area searches, tracking, suspect apprehension and narcotics detection.
While some K-9s become nationally known — like Conan, the Army Special Operations dog involved in the mission against ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, or Hurricane, the most decorated dog in U.S. Secret Service history — most working dogs serve without headlines or medals.
This year, it’s our honor to highlight the dogs of the Tulsa Police K-9 Unit.
Mascot Hector Frenchie
Hector is the K-9 Unit mascot. “Hector the Protector” believes he is also a K-9 shepherd. He loves to go up against the others and never backs down.
Lieutenant Chris Moudy Owner
Supervisor, retired from the Special Operations Team (team leader); Moudy found the K-9 Unit to be a natural fit for his background and training.
Department service: 24 years
Unit service: 5+ years
Awards (Moudy): Medal of Valor winner, Life Saving Award, Chief’s Award, Department Commendation Medal
K-9 Sato
Belgian Malinois
Sato enjoys sitting in the front seat and seeing the action; he’s a “passenger princess.” Off duty, he’s a great family dog. His favorite toy is his ball.
Handler: Officer Evan Hobbs
Department service: 9 years
Unit service: 5+ years
K-9 Vander
German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix
Vander is the biggest dog in the unit. He also loves to run in between people’s legs.
Handler: Officer Luke Temple
Department service: 9 years
Unit service: 4 years
Awards: Vander and Temple won 1st place in the USPCA Apprehension category and 2nd place overall.
K-9 Clyde
German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix
Clyde loves his family and is very relaxed outside of work.
Handler: Officer Max Mattsson
Department service: 6 years
Unit service: 2 years
Awards: 3rd place USPCA competition
K-9 Ajax
German Shepherd
Ajax has the most bites of all the K-9 officers and numerous apprehensions in the field.
Handler: Officer Jeff Maxey
Department service: 9 years
Unit service: 5+ years
K-9 Nico
German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix
Nico loves his cat siblings at home.
Handler: Officer Daniel Kite
Department service: 21 years
Unit service: 14 years
K-9 Diego
Belgian Malinois
Diego is very happy and friendly outside of work.
Handler: Officer David Hornok (trainer)
Department service: 22 years
Unit service: 17 years
Awards: 2023 USPCA champion
K-9 Mula
Mula is the youngest and newest K-9 in the unit!
Handler: Officer Eric Johnson (trainer)
Department service: 20 years
Unit service: 15 years
K-9 Knox
Handler: Officer Camden Houck
Department service: 9 years
Unit service: 6 years
K-9 Spanos
Handler: Officer Francis Mackey
Department service: 8 years
Unit service: 3 years
K-9 Otis
Handler: Officer Cheyenne Walden
Department service: 4 years
Unit service: Just started as the newest handler
K-9 Taz
German Shepherd
Taz loves basketball and Anderson’s son who is his best friend.
Handler: Officer Wes Anderson
Department service: 15 years
Unit service: 8 years
Awards: 2nd place 2024 USPCA overall and obedience
Sergeant Chris Butterfield
Supervisor
The K-9 Unit was formed in 1962, the same as Butterfield’s badge number, so for him, it felt like destiny.
Department service: 25 years
Unit service: 17 years
Awards: Departmental commendations, Chief’s Award
