Thunder arrived in 1997 from the Czech Republic, a beautiful Sable German Shepherd Dog, weighing just under 90 pounds. His comprehensive training includes narcotics detection, officer protection, tracking, search work, and criminal apprehension. While his love for work is obvious, Thunder’s ultimate success is the result of police officer Ron Gunton and his wife, as well as the efforts of the Mentor Police K9 unit.

Ron’s interest in working with Police K9s began during his childhood. Books such as Clarke Newlon’s "Police Dogs in Action" (no longer in print) inspired him to achieve a working relationship with his own police dog. In 1997, ten years after Ron joined the force; he began the process to become a K9 officer. Ron not only understood the high degree of dedication and commitment required, but also the support needed from family, friends, fellow officers, and perhaps even the community. Although a K9 team is frequently deployed alone, they depend upon support in the background once they return from a shift filled with calls.

In this role, Ron’s wife Jill has been instrumental in their success as a team.

One evening, Ron suggested he might apply for a position as a K9 handler. He asked Jill about her opinion. They both clearly realized that having a police dog in their home would require personal adjustments and sacrifice. Their daily routine would change significantly and they decided to reflect a bit more about this new family member.

Ron appreciates his wife’s commitment as he recalls the events of the following morning. While preparing for the day ahead, Ron’s wife began to list a series of items he needed to accomplish. While drying her hair, Jill fired off a rapid list of furniture and household items to move around the house. Everything from the dresser to the kitty litter box was to be rearranged. Her sense of urgency initially caused some confusion to Ron. Finally, he managed to offer a question: "What are you talking about, why do we need to move things around?" She answered promptly, "We have to make room for Thunder’s bed." Now, Ron was really confused. "Who’s Thunder?" Jill looked at him surprised that he didn’t know, and responded directly: "Our dog!"

Subsequently, Ron’s application for a position as a K9 officer included both comprehensive testing and also an interview process with both Ron and Jill. The police department recognized that applicants for the K9 officer position needed tremendous support from their spouse. The K9 team’s probability of success in the field would be dramatically increased if the family welcomes the police dog. Jill would need to provide Thunder with a safe and stable home. She would also be involved in his health care and in providing home training consistent with police training. For example, a police K9 may need to explore a residence during a search. The dog needs to be familiar with looking for evidence on countertops, in drawers, or behind furniture. If he receives corrections for this kind of behavior at home, he may be hesitant to perform a complete search at a crime scene. Therefore, the family must be willing to allow a great degree of freedom by permitting the police K9 to go onto furniture, and also put paws on countertops and tables.

Ron’s family was thrilled when the police department approved his application. The excitement of bringing Thunder home grew as the selection process unfolded. While ordinary dog owners rely on personal preference, sentiment, friendly advice, and first impressions, a K9 officer depends instead on the expert opinions of a police K9 trainer to select a partner. Great care is taken to evaluate both the personalities of the police officer and also prospective dogs. An excellent match must be made for the K9 team to succeed. Adequate time and resources are dedicated to this critical step. Finding a single dog with the proper bloodlines and characteristics usually involves evaluating many dogs. In early March of 1997, Ron began the selection process and entrusted the final selection of his partner to his trainer.

Throughout the selection process, Ron was evaluated by the trainer and ultimately matched with the remarkable two-year old sable German Shepherd we now know as Thunder. Once selected, Ron traveled daily to the training facility in Perry, Ohio to engage in playtime with Thunder and begin the bonding process. Ron’s wife joined him several times during these visits. In late May of 1997, Thunder was brought to his new home. The following week, Thunder and Ron began their formal training to become certified as a Police K9 team. For five months, the team trained before being certified for street duty. At one period during their training time, Ron became very sick with the flu. Jill had to take care of Thunder’s feeding and exercise schedule until Ron was ready to resume his activities. Jill was a tremendous help because every dog needs a familiar routine. Her personal involvement helped Thunder maintain stability as Ron recovered. In return, Thunder remained a steadfast home companion and guard!

Still, there were a few obstacles to overcome during Thunder’s adjustment to his dual-role as family companion and full-time Police K9. First, Thunder had no training; it’s unknown what, if any, commands he knew. Second, Thunder had to adjust to the new home environment. He had to know where to sleep, eat, play, work and also become housebroken in this new, big, indoor kennel. Third, he had to adjust to other family members because Ron and Jill have children and other pets.  Now, however, Ron and his family can go out on both two-wheelers and big wheels while enjoying an afternoon stroll. Their escort, Thunder, remains friendly, loyal, loving, and has endeared himself to the family.

Similarly, when off-duty, Thunder transitions rapidly to a state of rest and relaxation in his safe environment. This helps him get the most benefit from "down time." In turn, he responds more fully while on-duty. For example, playtime with other pets in the home gives Thunder a chance to romp in the yard and enjoy himself. Ron and Jill hope that his relaxed off-duty time will offer health benefits. Police K9’s frequently have a shorter life than dogs of the same breed that are strictly companions. Stress is a component of this, and Ron’s family anticipates Thunder may enjoy many retirement years in good health due to the home situation they provide. Many breeders, veterinarians, and working dog owners would absolutely agree!

During training practice, Ron develops real-life scenarios to engage Thunder in a wide range of situations. This gives Thunder practice with any circumstance encountered on the street. In addition, the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) offers "workshops to work on problem solving, learn new legal updates, and learn new techniques in the various phases of utilizing a police work dog on the job." During the third week in June of 2001, Wisconsin hosted the NAPWDA National Workshop. The organization welcomed more than 200 teams to the event. Ron and Thunder were one of the teams joining the training workshop. Their family also attended, once again demonstrating the remarkable commitment they have made.

NAPWDA events are both professional and visible. During a previous National Workshop,  America’s Most Wanted televised a Fox Special of the event. John Walsh was available to take photos with the K9 teams and acknowledge their tremendous contributions. During a public demonstration, the dogs performed agility and aggression control. The highlight was a car chase with a decoy taken down at the end of the exercise. These annual workshops, and also other training, allow Ron and Thunder to hone their skills.

As a result of this intensive training, Thunder clearly recognizes working situations. When he sees Ron in uniform and rides in the police cruiser, his demeanor changes from family companion to Police K-9. Thunder possesses complete focus and will engage in every situation requested without hesitation. According to Ron: "Thunder has developed a street savvy just like a veteran cop." As well, Thunder senses Ron’s feelings and emotions. Police K9s are aware of the handler’s tone, emotion, and outlook. For example, several years ago Ron was involved in a shooting. The event was etched in his mind when he recently returned to the scene on an unrelated call. Even though Ron did not call Thunder, his K9 partner sensed apprehension and leapt out of the cruiser to be by his side. Thunder’s behavior was if to say, "I’m right with you." Indeed he is! Consider:

There can be no doubt that K9 Thunder is a K9 Hero! Perhaps Jill said it best: " He protects my husband, he protects my family, and he’s a lifelong friend."

Note as well, that in 1999 alone, the Mentor Police Department documented 532 uses of the K9 unit. Community relations are similarly improved because the K9 handlers are often able to talk with residents when approached with "police dog" questions. For example, during a conversation about Thunder, a resident might also mention some information that is later useful to Ron. These discussions also allow residents to express their concerns and even "vent" to the officer. During one year, 3300 such citizen contacts were made and documented. The very presence of the K9 officer makes these conversations possible, because interest in the dog usually initiates the conversation!

Police remain the remarkable men and women that "Protect and Serve." We need only dial 911 and quickly they appear. But who will help them? Who will share their burden? Who will watch the shadow they can’t see? Who will find what they can’t locate? Who will hear the imperceptible or even sense the danger they may meet? Who will protect them?

The officers who carry no gun and wear their badge around their neck will do this. Those officers pacing in the back of a car marked "K-9" will do this. For Ron Gunton, Police K9 Thunder will do this. For our part, lets always remember to thank them.

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