Midvale welcomes new K-9 officer: Kuno

SALT LAKE CITY — Shortly after the small private plane taxied to a stop Saturday at the Salt Lake jetCenter, the Midvale Police Department's newest officer jumped from the plane's door, landing smoothly on all four feet.

Kuno, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois who still looks a little like a puppy, then walked with ease across the tarmac before obediently sitting and then lying down on command.

Midvale Police Sgt. Torin Chambers called the arrival of Kuno, which came exactly one week after a memorial service for his police K-9 predecessor, Koda, an impressive display of the support the department has received in the wake of Koda's death.

"It's been terrific," Chambers said. "The community has really stepped up to show their support for the department and the handler with Koda going down."

Koda and his handler were called to help apprehend four burglary suspects on New Year's Day. When police lost sight of one of the suspects, the handler released the 31/2-year-old Belgian Malinois to get the man. Officers heard two gunshots, and Koda was found dead.

Tevita Talanoa Fisiitalia, 22, the man who police say killed the K-9, was shot by officers and later died.

Following Koda's death, the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office donated $10,000 from its asset forfeiture fund to Midvale police to purchase a new K-9. Platt Electric Supply, a Beaverton, Ore., company with five offices in Utah, also donated $4,000 and made its corporate jet available to fly Kuno and four Midvale police officers from California to Utah.

"We are big animal lovers and big supporters of the police wherever we have a store," said Platt Electric Chairman Harvey Platt, who accompanied Kuno and the officers on Saturday's flight to Salt Lake City.

"The dog is great. He's a real gentleman," Platt said of Kuno.

Koda's handler, who was involved in selecting Kuno from a California kennel last week, will also serve as Kuno's handler.

"It was a good fit right from the get-go," the officer said. "I think Koda will be proud."

Midvale police are not identifying the officer, citing the ongoing investigation into the New Year's Day shooting and death threats made against the officer by associates of those involved in the shootout.

Chambers said Kuno has basic obedience training right now and will need an additional two to three months of training before he is ready for duty as a drug detection and suspect apprehension K-9. He said he believes the new partnership between Kuno and his handler will be therapeutic for the officer.

"To lose Koda, the handler suffered a huge loss," the sergeant said. "I'm sure it is a healing thing for him."

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