K9 Spotlight: Richard Rodden & Kasey

Richard Rodden & Kasey

Law Enforcement / Explosives & Firearms Detection

Hello everyone, my name is "Kasey". I am the first K9 member of the General Motors Global Security/Police Unit, and I am currently assigned to their Tactical Response Team as their Explosives & Firearms detection canine. Yes, you read that right. General Motors has a Security/Police unit and a Tactical Response Team, which is primarily assigned to the GM Global Headquarters, currently located at the GM Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, MI.

My journey to become a Police K9 began in late 2016 when I was brought to the United States from the Slovak Republic. As you can see, I am not one of the typical breeds of canines used in police work. I am a female Weimaraner, which I am told is a very uncommon breed for police work.

In early 2017, I was partnered with Officer Richard Rodden and began my training in Explosives & Firearms Detection. I became his fifth K9 partner and his first non-German Shepherd in his 24 years as an Explosives K9 Handler/Trainer.

In 2017, I obtained my first Regional Explosives Detection Certification through the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). In 2021, I obtained my first USPCA National Certification in Explosives Detection and have since consistently been one of their top-ranked and nationally certified Explosives Detection K9s. In 2023, I became the USPCA National Champion in Explosives Detection.

In 2021, I was given the honor to compete in the first-ever "AKC Detection Dog Challenge," which was aired on ESPN. During that competition, you can see me sporting my Ray Allen Modular Harness, which not only allowed me to display my department badge but also my Police K9 patches, as well as the Go-Pro camera used by ESPN for some up-close action shots of me doing my searches.

During some of my day-to-day training, Officer Rodden uses scent detection aids such as ScentLogix and Precision Explosives, which he obtains through Ray Allen. Officer Rodden also uses training items such as the Ray Allen Scent Detection Boxes and the Ray Allen Magnetic Stash Boxes. All of these have helped me become one of the best Explosives Detection K9s that I can be.

So, train hard, and stay safe.

K9 Kasey

Their Gear: Ray Allen Magnetic Stash Boxes / Ray Allen Scent Detection Boxes / ScentLogix / Precision Explosives / Ray Allen Modular Harness

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