Newark, Ohio Police K9 Unit

09/11/2026

The Newark Division of Police K-9 Unit extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Newark Police Officer Robert Adrian Dassylva Sr., who passed away on September 10, 2026, at the age of 87.

Officer Dassylva served as a Newark Police K-9 handler in 1969 alongside his partner, K-9 Thunder. Bob and Thunder were among the early teams who helped establish the proud tradition of police K-9 service that our unit continues today.

Bob also proudly served his country in the United States Navy and later flew helicopters with the Ohio National Guard. Following his law-enforcement career, he worked for more than 20 years with the Ohio Department of Transportation before retiring.

We are grateful for Bob’s service to his country, his community, and the Newark Police K-9 Unit. His contribution to our unit’s history will always be remembered.

Rest in peace, Officer Dassylva. We have the watch from here. 🇺🇸🐾

08/26/2026

We would like to thank Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) for allowing the K-9 units of Licking County to utilize their former manufacturing facility for training.

The building provided a great new environment for our K-9 teams to put in some work conducting narcotics searches and gave the dogs an opportunity to train in a large, unfamiliar setting.

We greatly appreciate PCA’s support and willingness to provide a valuable training opportunity for our local K-9 teams. 🐕‍🦺🇺🇸

07/02/2026

It is extremely hot outside today, ensure your K9 partners in the cruiser are not forgotten. Verify the heat alarms are activated and functioning. If you encounter an unattended K9 cruiser with flashing overhead lights and a sounding horn, immediately contact 911, allowing the dispatcher to notify the handler.

06/04/2026

Xudo experienced a rejuvenating puppy spa day at I & R Puppy Spa in Utica, Ohio today, and I'm thrilled to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff for providing exceptional care, leaving him refreshed and radiant, with most of the hair remarkably transferred from him to me.

04/23/2026

Congratulations Team 3 Sgt Arndt.

Congratulations to Sgt. David Arndt on graduating the 93rd class of the Police Executive Leadership College. This achievement reflects your hard work, vision, and drive to grow as a leader. We look forward to all that the future holds-for you, the department, and the community.

04/21/2026

We send our thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters in Red.