The Chino Valley Police Department established its Canine Program in April 2006, with a single purpose drug detection canine, named Gage. Throughout the years, the Chino Valley Police Department has had many drug detection canines in the program. In 2019 Chino Valley Police Department opted to evolve the canine program by getting canines trained not only in drug detection, but also in suspect apprehension, tracking, and searching: dual purpose canines.
The Chino Valley Canine Program has three critical purposes. First, is to be a tool to educate the public about illegal drugs, and the harm they cause to our community. Second, is to help prevent illegal drugs from coming into and through our community by apprehending those that use, transport and sell illegal drugs. Third, and often most notable, is the use of patrol work for suspect apprehension, tracking, and the searching of those dangerous criminals that pose a threat to our community and Officers.
Our canines and their handlers undergo extensive, advanced, and specialized training in the detection of illegal drugs, high-risk deployments, and apprehending criminals. Since the beginning of our program, all Chino Valley canines have exceeded the national standards (as set forth by the National Police Canine Association). In addition to becoming nationally certified, our canines and handlers undergo weekly training.
The current CVPD K9 officer, Officer Sellers, came to Chino Valley after years of law enforcement experience from Colorado. He joined the Chino Valley Police Department in 2016 as a lateral. Since that time, Officer Sellers has served as a Field Training Officer, General Instructor, and Firearms Instructor. Officer Sellers was assigned as a K9 Handler in August 2020, where he was paired with his partner, Sirius. K9 Sirius is currently a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois (as of 2025). Sirius is the second dual purpose canine Chino Valley Police Department has had. Officer Sellers and K9 Sirius have completed thousands of hours of training and certifications with the National Police Canine Association prior to “hitting” the streets. Once certified, the training does not stop. Officer Sellers and K9 Sirius continue to train weekly and attend advance trainings to become successful in their duties. These duties include drug interdiction on traffic stops, tracking down and apprehending harden criminals, and also utilized in SWAT deployments with local tri-city agencies.
The Chino Valley Police Canine Program is not possible without the generous donations from individuals and our community partners, like Olsen’s Grain (provides dog food), and Circle L Animal Clinic (who provides discounted medical care for the police canines).
If you would like to make a donation to help the Chino Valley Police Canine Program, please contact Officer Steven Sellers at ssellers@chinoaz.net or the Chino Valley Police Department at (928) 636-4223. Walk ins are also welcome!