Office of the Sheriff Contra Costa County
 K-9 Unit Established 2002

The Office of the Sheriff is proud to announce the establishment of our Law Enforcement Canine Unit. Planning for the program began over a year ago and culminated in the selection of three impressive teams.

An intensive testing and selection process was conducted with Deputies Dan Hoffman, Dave Cushman and Robert Roberts selected as the first of hopefully a long line of canine handlers. Internationally know Adlerhorst Kennels was selected to supply our canines.

Our trainer is Dan Moore of Moore K-9 Services. After over 31 years with the Concord Police Department Mr. Moore retired and is now a full time trainer. Dan has been a canine trainer for over 27 years and has trained Police Service Dog Teams throughout Contra Costa County, the Bay Area, and as far away as Casper, Wyoming.

Please join Sheriff Rupf and the Office of the Sheriff, Contra Costa County, in welcoming our new additions.

Deputy Robert Roberts and "Freddy"

Deputy Roberts joined the Sheriff's Office in August of 1995. In Detention, he worked the Main Detention Facility and West County Detention Facility. In 1998 Bob transferred to the Patrol Division where he was assigned to the contract Town of Danville and the City of Oakley. Bob is also a Field Training Officer.

Deputy Roberts was united with he partner "Freddy" in June of 2002. Freddy was born in Czechoslovakia on April 17, 2000. This handsome German Shepherd was selected and brought to Adlerhorst International Inc. by Dave Reaver. Bob and Freddy completed an intense four week training program through Moore K-9 Services and received their Peace Officer Standards and Training Certificate on August 8, 2002.

Deputy Dan Hoffman and "Noah"

Dan joined the Sheriff's Office in December of 1997 working the Main Detention Facility as a Module Deputy, Special Event Response Team member and Jail Training Officer. He was selected for the Lafayette Police Department in June of 1999, becoming one of the city's I.M.P.A.C.T. officers.

Dan was instrumental in building support and funding within the community of Lafayette and his tenacity and organizational skills helped secure over $23,000 in public funding for the canine unit. Deputy Hoffman was selected as a Lafayette Canine Officer in June of 2002.

Dan picked up his canine this past June from Alderhorst International Inc. in Riverside, Ca. His partner, "Noah" is a German-born shepherd who comes from a long line of champions.  At 17 months, Noah is the youngest of the three canines. Noah and Dan received their Peace Officers Standard and Training Certificates through Dan Moore of Moore K-9 Services on August 10, 2002.  

Law Enforcement, now more that ever, relies on the support and partnership with the community it serves and the Sheriff's Office Canine Unit is no exception. With this in mind, Sheriff Rupf and the Office of the Sheriff, Contra Costa County, would like to thank and extend its appreciation to the following individuals and business for their generous contributions:

NEW ADDITIONS TO K-9 UNIT

2003

Deputy Marty Echelmeier and "Dar"

Deputy Echeimeier joined the Sheriffs Office ten years ago. He has worked in Detention, Transportation and County Patrol before being assigned to San Ramon four years ago.

Deputy Echeimeier was joined with his new partner, “Dar” on January 27, 2003. Dar was born on October 30, 2000 in Chechoslovakia.

Dar received his Tracking/Trailing Certification on April 18, 2003 and his Narcotics Detection Certification on June 11, 2003.

Deputy Ian Jones and "Bessie"

Deputy Jones joined the Sheriff’s Office in October of 1995. Before his assignment to Oakley Police Department on July 1, 2000, he worked in Detention and County Patrol as well with the San Ramon Police Department.

Deputy Jones was united with his new partner, “Bessie” on January 28,2003. Bessie, who is the only female K-9 with the department, was born on June 22, 2000 in Parsberg, Germany.

Bessie is patrol qualified and has been certified in Narcotics Detection.

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