Behind The Badge K-9 Kaiser

K-9 Kaiser is a seven-year-old Belgian Malinois born in the Netherlands. He is affectionate and playful and although he is seven years old, he still has the vitality and fun-loving innocence of a puppy. Kaiser is a dual-purpose dog specializing in patrol and explosives detection.

Although Kaiser has a sweet and playful personality, it’s all business when he’s at work. He has searched and located suspects of homicides, carjackings, robberies, and more. As a bomb dog, Kaiser has assisted numerous agencies in explosives detection. He has worked NASCAR races, Superbowl LIV, the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Jazz in the Gardens, visits involving dignitaries and high-ranking government officials and more. Kaiser has also responded to and cleared numerous bomb threats in schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Police K-9s are an essential part of law enforcement. Dogs, like Kaiser, are extraordinarily well-trained and are selected for their even temperament. They are brave, loyal, watchful and protective of their police officer handlers. K-9s offer a crucial advantage during dangerous searches, providing a greater reaction time for an officer. They also provide essential skills – with their noses – reducing the time needed to search buildings, a perimeter or to find people, helping keep our community safe.

There is nothing more rewarding for Kaiser and his handler, Officer Edel Esponda, than doing demonstrations for elementary and middle school students. “When the children and teachers alike see Kaiser’s obedience, how he follows commands, how he heels and calmly listens as if he were a student himself, the teachers and children alike are in awe of him,” says Officer Esponda.

“I tell them that I have the best job in the police department because I get to bring my best friend to work with me. It’s not uncommon for Kaiser to be called back to that particular school for another demo. Often, I receive packets of drawings from the children containing thank you notes and drawings often depicting the children with Kaiser, or me with Kaiser. This is very special to me,” Officer Esponda added.

At the Citizens’ Policy Academy, Kaiser has been a hit as well. The residents who attend are often impressed with how he could apprehend a decoy without incident, and the next minute have that same decoy petting him. Kaiser’s well-trained and is a consummate professional at his job.

He is not only Officer Esponda’s partner at work, Kaiser is part of the family. “Given his sweet and fun-loving nature, I often find my wife and Kaiser on the floor with Kaiser wrapping his front legs around her in a hug. He absolutely loves my wife and goes crazy when he sees her.” Officer Esponda adds, “He is not only loved by my wife and I, but also by our respective families. Whenever he has been sick, we get calls from our children, our nephews and nieces, my parents, in-laws, and friends who love him as well.” Kaiser is truly cherished at home and at work, where he proudly serves our community.