CPD K9 Unit reinstated, apprehends suspect in first week of service

Less than one week after the Collinsville Police Department (CPD) reinstated its K9 Unit, K9 Officer Fido played a crucial role in apprehending a narcotics suspect.

On Sept. 8, the CPD announced that Officer Paul Marrufo was recently assigned as the Collinsville Police Department’s new K9 handler for K9 Fido. Following his assignment, Officer Marrufo and Fido completed a two-week K9 handler training course for narcotics detection through Pacesetter K9. At the conclusion of their training, the team successfully passed the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) certification.

Fido has proudly served the Collinsville Police Department since 2020. The K9 Unit was temporarily placed on hold when Fido’s previous handler was promoted to Chief of Police in June. With Officer Marrufo’s assignment, training and certification complete, the CPD K9 Unit is officially back in service.

Then, on Sept. 14, CPD officers conducted a traffic stop and deployed K9 Fido for an air sniff. After Fido alerted officers to the presence of narcotics, they conducted a search and located methamphetamine. The suspect was subsequently placed under arrest.

Over the years, the CPD K9 Unit has assisted in numerous narcotics investigations, both in Collinsville and throughout the surrounding area. When requested, the K9 team also assists neighboring law enforcement agencies. The Collinsville Police Department believes strongly in helping neighbors because drugs and criminal activity do not stop at city limits.

Since establishing the CPD K9 Unit, the city has seen a significant decrease in criminal activity in the community, and the CPD remains committed to keeping that momentum going.

The CPD K9 Unit is often supported through donations from the community, which help cover veterinary expenses, training, equipment and the care of the K9 officer. If you would like to help keep the program strong, contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated and directly support the continued operation of the CPD K9 Unit. Please reach out to Chief Jon Cheshire or visit the police station to learn more.