K9 Unit Announcement

The Portsmouth Police Department proudly announce K9 Officer Bill Werner and K9 Frankie’s recent graduation from The Boston Police K9 Academy’s Patrol Dog School.  This Police Canine Handler course consisted of 560 hours of training and a National Certification in a variety of areas to include K9 Obedience, Evidence Recovery, Area Search, Building Search, Tracking, and Aggression Control. 

Training at this level takes a tremendous amount of effort, dedication and sacrifice by a K9 Team.  After earning his K9 Handler position in late January, Officer Werner immediately prepared for his new role and upon the recent retirement of K9 Officer Steve Blanding, he took possession of K9 Frankie from Officer Blanding.  It should be noted Officer Blanding was an integral part of the transition and his efforts are consistent with the dedication and advancement he brought to the PPD K9 Program.

K9 Officer Werner and K9 Frankie join an already accomplished team of K9 Officer Aaron Stacy and K9 Axe.  K9 Axe holds both Patrol and Narcotic Detection Certifications while K9 Frankie will balance out his Patrol Certification with Explosive Detection School in early 2021 at the Boston Police K9 Academy.  Both teams are assigned to the Portsmouth Police Patrol Division and provide coverage to the City during the day and night shifts.

Released by Lt. Eric Kinsman for Chief Robert Merner.