Rockville, Maryland, has welcomed a new member to its police force—a spirited 8-month-old bloodhound named Dare. She holds the distinction of being the first bloodhound to join the K-9 unit in the 51-year history of the Rockville City Police Department.
This adorable canine addition reported for duty on Monday, marking a new chapter for the department.
Cpl. James Shieder Jr. was introduced to his new furry partner in Kentucky, where he participated in bonding and training alongside experienced K-9 handler Cpl. Ali Zeighani.
Unlike previous K-9 officers who specialized in narcotics or bomb detection, Dare’s primary role will be to track and find missing persons. Shieder mentioned in an interview with 7News that having Dare by his side in the police car has been incredibly rewarding.
“I usually ride alone in the car, which can feel isolating. Having Dare with me adds an extra layer of confidence—knowing I have someone looking out for me,” Shieder shared with WTOP’s partners at 7News.
Dare’s specialization in scent article tracking is particularly noteworthy; she can initiate searches using an object that has come into contact with a person, thereby identifying the necessary scent to get started.
Recognized for their remarkable sense of smell, bloodhounds like Dare are hoped to play a pivotal role in locating missing individuals, especially during the challenging winter months.
According to Rockville City Police Chief Jason West, Dare’s presence significantly enhances the department’s operational and lifesaving capabilities.
“When there’s a missing child or a vulnerable adult in our community, rapid results are crucial,” West emphasized, expressing confidence that Shieder and Dare will form an effective team.
Dare is set to work alongside Bolo, a Belgian Malinois-German Shepherd mix who has been serving with the Rockville City Police Department since completing K-9 Patrol School in 2019.
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