K-9 joins Mapleton Police Department

Meet the newest member of the Mapleton Police Department! Nyx, named after the Greek goddess, is a Belgian Malinois. She was obtained from local company Rival K9 and joined the department as a puppy last fall.

Nyx lives full time with her K9 handler, Officer Rebekah Hatch, who is responsible for her care and training needs. Nyx is currently being cross trained through Rival K9 in narcotics detection, tracking missing/wanted objects and criminal apprehension

She is making great progress in her training, and her personality is a perfect fit for a police K9. Nyx is expected to receive her drug recognition certification around June 2023.

No taxpayer dollars have been spent on bringing Nyx to the Mapleton Police Department. Her purchase, training costs, equipment and food, as well as the necessary upgrades made to Officer Hatch’s patrol vehicle to accommodate Nyx, have been covered by private donations. These contributions have been greatly appreciated and are providing an incredible service to the Mapleton community.

Bringing on a police K9 is not easy. It takes a lot of time, effort and passion to successfully train a police K9. Officer Hatch has been an outstanding handler and gives Nyx the attention she needs, both in training and companionship.

Nyx is excelling in her training, and there is no doubt that her success comes from her handler’s effort and dedication. Nyx and Officer Hatch are quite the dynamic duo, and they are going to accomplish many great things together.

Nyx has a strong sense of drive and is a loyal partner to Officer Hatch and all the officers at the Mapleton Police Department. She lives by the motto “Work hard, play hard,” and she enjoys playing tug-o- war and doing bite work.

Once training is over, Nyx is so loving. She never seems like she needs rest! The officers really enjoy having Nyx around the police department. Nyx also loves meeting the public, especially children at local schools. She and Officer Hatch are highly requested to visit assemblies and classrooms. It won’t be long before many Mapleton children are on a first-name basis with Nyx.

Nyx has already been an excellent addition to the Mapleton Police Department. She has a bright future with Officer Hatch and will be a great asset for protecting and serving the citizens of Mapleton.