Idaho Falls Police welcome new K9 officer
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The following is a news release from the Idaho Falls Police Department.
IDAHO FALLS — The Idaho Falls Police Department is pleased to introduce Rocky – the newest fourlegged,
tail‐wagging officer – to the patrol canine (K9) division.
Rocky, who is partnered with K9 Handler Gabe Klepich, is a one and a half‐year‐old, tan‐colored, Belgian
Malinois trained in both narcotic detection and patrol apprehension. He joins the IFPD thanks to funding
provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy Idaho Site‐Wide Safeguards and
Security Program.
“K9s play an important role in our police department,” Patrol Capt. Royce Clements said. “They’re
excellent in helping us find and detect drugs, apprehend criminals and improve officer safety. We’re
really grateful for the DOE‐ID in helping us fund an important piece of our operations.”
The DOE funding paid $15,000 to the IFPD, which goes toward the purchase, training and certification of
Rocky and his handler. Rocky recently completed certification and is currently working the streets with
his handler.
The IFPD currently has two K9s – both purchased in partnership with the DOE. IFPD’s second K9 – Zeke –
is a Belgian Malinois trained in both explosive detection and patrol apprehension. K9 Zeke
retired on Jan. 2.
Zeke will be replaced by a new K9 also trained in explosive detection and patrol apprehension in the
next coming months.