MARYSVILLE—After nearly a decade of capturing criminals and hearts, the Marysville Police Department retires two of its beloved K-9s, Copper and Steele, at the end of the year.
Known for their precision, reliability and unwavering loyalty, the dogs track fleeing suspects, assist with search warrants and support officers in high-risk situations. Their work makes a lasting impact on public safety, removing dangerous drugs from the streets and helping resolve cases across the city. With more than 600 patrol and drug detection deployments, nearly 400 arrests and hundreds of grams of narcotics recovered, Copper and Steele play a critical role in keeping Marysville safe.
The K-9’s handlers Officer Derek Oates and Sgt. Brad Smith are two of the most experienced handlers in the county, with over 40 years of handling experience combined. Each recognizing the bond between K-9 and officer strengthens by the day, “We spend more time with these dogs than we do our families—but what we ask these dogs to do and what they do for us is just amazing, they are these creatures that are willing to do anything for you because they love you and trust you,” Officer Oates said.
Copper, a German shepherd born in 2015, joined the department in 2016 and serves alongside Officer Derek Oates. Officer Oates joined Marysville PD in 2001 and brings a wealth of experience to his partnership with Copper, including assignments in SWAT, firearms instruction and peer support.
Steele, a Belgian Malinois also born in 2015, has served Marysville for more than eight years alongside Sgt. Smith, a 20-year law enforcement veteran and certified master handler in narcotics detection. The pair have led countless successful deployments and participated in extensive community outreach.
Copper and Steele, purchased through federal grants, mark a historic shift for the unit as the first in Marysville’s history trained in both patrol work and narcotics detection. Though their careers come to a close, Copper and Steele remain beloved members of the Marysville PD family. The department will be welcoming new K-9 officers later this year.
Source: City of Marysville
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
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Just wondering what happens to these retired dogs now? Do they get to stay living with their handlers, or do they need to find new homes because their handlers get new police dogs?