Planning ahead for a safer city takes more than good intentions; it takes the right teams, tools, and training. We sit down with Chief Jason Fields and K9 Sergeant Sanders to unpack the expansion of the Fort Myers Police Department’s K9 unit—what’s changing, why it matters now, and how specialized dogs elevate safety at scale. From 24/7 coverage to new capabilities like gun and explosives detection, we explore how this growth meets the moment for busy events, school safety, and faster, more precise investigations. You’ll hear how the unit blends patrol skills such as tracking and building searches with narcotics, firearms, and article detection to locate suspects, shell casings, and discarded evidence. We go inside the rigorous tryout process that selects patrol all-stars who can think clearly under stress, then follow them into K9 school where trust, communication, and reward-based training transform high-drive dogs into disciplined partners. The bond goes home after shift, too—handlers live with their dogs, building a 24/7 connection that pays off in focus and control on the street. We also pull back the curtain on sourcing: why the team relies on a proven German vendor for durable, reliable dogs, what environmental tests look like, and how continuous training turns preparation into performance. A real-world story brings it to life—a challenging water and woods track that ended in a safe arrest thanks to persistence and odor-driven work. As the city grows, this expansion becomes a force multiplier: more coverage, faster response, and a visible deterrent at schools, hospitals, and large gatherings. Join us, meet the handlers and their four-legged partners, and see how proactive planning builds trust and keeps Fort Myers safe. If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others discover it.
