The Miami Township Police Department welcomes a four-legged crime fighter to the staff. K-9 Dex is on patrol alongside his handler and partner, Officer Tyler Wilson. The department’s acquisition of the dog was made possible by funding from the Matt Haverkamp Foundation, which allowed for the purchase and initial training.
Officer Wilson, a 7-year veteran of the police department, was selected among his peers to become a handler. He and Dex completed a six-week training course at a facility in Shallow Creek, Pennsylvania, in December 2025. Shallow Creek Kennels not only tested and trained Dex but ensured that Officer Wilson was prepared to properly handle the dog.
“It’s demanding because I have to do a lot with the dog to keep him sharp,” Officer Tyler Wilson said. “He is still a puppy, full of energy, but he’s smart and we are doing great together.”
The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois-German Shepard mix will live with Officer Wilson and work specifically with him. He is trained to track fleeing suspects, search for narcotics, and protect his human partner if necessary.
“Dex is another investigative tool we can use to combat crime. His detection and tracking skills will supplement our drone program and skilled officers on patrol,” Asst. Chief James McCarty said. “We are grateful to the Matt Haverkamp Foundation for helping us make our canine unit a reality.”
The Matt Haverkamp Foundation is named in honor of a late K-9 officer who lost his life in an auto accident in 2005. Officer Haverkamp was a Cincinnati native and served in Florida. His family began its foundation to support area departments in November 2005. It has funded and placed 131 service dogs since that time and raised more than $1.4 million for police department K-9 units and protective gear.
“We expect Dex to do a lot of suspect tracking based on our needs as a department. He should remain on patrol at least five or six years as long as he is healthy and able to do so,” Officer Wilson said. “He will have regular vet visits and checkups to be sure he is happy and healthy.”
The police department intends to have Dex visit various community events such as National Night Out and Safety Town. The department will also consider any other opportunities to show Dex off to the public.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 30, 2026
Contact: Jill Drury, Communications Manager
(937) 433-9969
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