Recent Activities of the Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit
May 22, 2009: MUPD K-9 Unit earns recertification for two K-9 Teams
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit, under the command of Corporal Robert Lippmann, spent a week at training and certification testing in Altoona, PA. Under the direction of Master Trainer James Walstrom of Keystone K-9, LLC, Corporal Lippmann and K-9 Saxon were recertified as a dual purpose K-9 Team with certifications in Narcotics Detection and Patrol. Chief Richtscheit and his K-9 partner, Tara, also recertified in Narcotics Detection. The narcotics detection certification includes such drugs as marihuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. The Patrol Dog certification includes such disciplines as Criminal Apprehension, Building Search, Area Search, and Obedience. The certification is based on nationally recognized standards for Police Dogs. The Mount Union Police Department congratulates both K-9 Teams for completing a demanding week of training and testing. The Mount Union Police K-9 Unit also congratulates Sergeant Jeff Leonard of the Huntingdon County Sheriff's Office and his K-9 Brit for successfully passing the testing process for a dual-certified K-9 Team as well.
The Mount Union Police K-9 Unit was established in 1992 and has been in operation since. Currently consisting of two dogs and handlers, the unit has been fortunate to have had a total of five trained dogs protecting the Borough of Mount Union and surrounding communities for more than 15 years. The Unit operates entirely on funds that are donated by the community, with no funds budgeted by the Borough of Mount Union for this valuable asset. Donations can be made payable to the Mount Union K-9 Fund and sent to MUPD-K9; 9 West Market Street, Mount Union, PA 17066.
Corporal Lippmann with K-9 Saxon (left); Chief Richtscheit with K-9 Tara (right)
October 31, 2008: Officer Bonsell takes "Decoy" Role
On October 31, 2008, Officer Bonsell of the Mount Union Borough Police Department assisted Corporal Lippmann and K-9 Saxon by donning a bite sleeve and pair of scratch pants and acting as the "bad guy" during a training session. Officer Bonsell participated in some "civil agitation" training and then acted as a burglar hiding in a building during a building search. K-9 Saxon found the "bad guy" and immediately engaged with a good bite. The K-9 Unit welcomes Officer Bonsell to the Unit as a training decoy. Thank you for your vital assistance to the unit!
September 12, 2008: Drug Search
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit was requested to assist the State Police at Huntingdon and the Huntingdon County Drug Task Force under the direction of the Huntingdon County District Attorney to search a residence on Walnut Street in the Borough of Mount Union. The investigation is ongoing.
July 14, 2008: Drug Search
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit was requested to assist the State Police at Huntingdon following a traffic stop in Smithfield Township. K-9 Saxon and Corporal Lippmann responded, and searched a vehicle for illicit drugs. K-9 Saxon alerted to the presence of drugs in that vehicle and a quantity of marijuana, drug paraphrenalia and suspected methamphetamines were seized. Three suspects were arrested by the State Police.
July 7, 2008: Assist Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit was requested to assist State Forest Rangers at Buchannan State Forest in Franklin County. An individual had been stopped by rangers, and subsequently assaulted the officer and fled into the woods. Upon arriving in the area, K-9 Saxon and Corporal Lippmann tracked the suspect into the woods and found one of the suspects shoes. The suspect, who was already a State Parole absconder, faces additional charges.
June 25, 2008: Warrant Arrest
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit was requested to respond to the area of Federal Drive in the Borough of Mount Union to assist Pennsylvania State Constables. The Constables had attempted to serve arrest warrants on an individual at that location, who subsequently jumped from a second floor window and fled into the woods. Upon arrival, the suspect was observed running towards Wrangletown Road. K-9 Saxon and Corporal Lippmann tracked the suspect to an empty parking space along Wrangletown Road. The suspect was later arrested and faces additional charges of Escape and Disorderly Conduct.
May 30, 2008: Drug Raid
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit assisted the Huntingdon County Drug Task Force and Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police with a search of a residence in the Borough of Mount Union following the service of a search warrant and felony arrest warrant. K-9 Saxon indicated to the presence of illicit drugs, which were then collected and seized as evidence in the investigation.
An additional search was conducted at a second residence, with the consent of the tenant of that residence. Contraband at that residence was seized as evidence and turned over to the Huntingdon County Drug Task Force.
April 6, 2008: Drug Raid
The Mount Union Police Department with assistance from the Huntingdon Borough Police Department, and in cooperation with the Huntingdon County Drug Task Force, raided a location in the Borough of Mount Union during the early morning hours on Sunday, April 6, 2008. A quantity of "magic mushrooms", several syringes and other drug paraphernalia, along with a small quantity of marijuana were recovered. Charges are pending against two individuals that were located at the apartment pending the results of drug testing at the State Police Forensic Laboratory. K-9 Saxon was utilized to sweep through the residence to insure that all illicit drugs were located by officers.
March 29. 2008: MUPD K-9 Unit Welcomes Saxon back to work!
MUPD K-9 Saxon is finally recuperated enough to return to work, and is right at home riding in the patrol car again. It seems as though there are 6 weeks of built up barking that he needs to get out of his system, though! The K-9 Unit welcomes Saxon back to work, taking a "bite out of crime" in the Borough of Mount Union!
February, 2008: MUPD K-9 Saxon undergoes surgery
MUPD K-9 Saxon was under the knife to have several small tumors removed. He is recovering well, and is anticipated to return to service in mid-March. Thanks to all the donors that helped to pay for the vet bill!
January 22, 2008: MUPD K-9 Unit conduct search
MUPD K-9 Saxon and handler Corporal Lippmann were requested by the owner of a business to conduct a search of the establishment for illicit drugs. An employee that had been recently separated from the company had been suspected of storing drugs on the premises. A consensual search was conducted and no illicit drugs were located on the premises.
September 22, 2007: MUPD K-9 Unit assists PSP
MUPD K-9 Saxon and handler Corporal Lippmann were requested to assist the State Police at Huntingdon with the tracking of subjects that fled on foot following the termination of a vehicle pursuit. The suspects had fled into the woods after running from Troopers on an ATV. K-9 Saxon tracked a short distance into the woods where police found an abandoned logging road where the suspects were able to disappear into the night.
April 11, 2007: MUPD K-9 Unit and Officers Assist in Drug Raid
Corporal Robert Lippmann and K-9 Saxon of The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit and Officer Mark Ewald assisted the Mifflin County Drug Task Force, The Pennsylvania State Police, and The Attorney General's Office Bureau of Narcotics Investigations in a drug raid in Mifflin and Juniata Counties. K-9 Saxon was utilized during the execution of an arrest warrant and was later called upon to assist during the execution of a search warrant. K-9 Saxon was successful in discovering several controlled substances and drug paraphernalia during the search warrant.
Photo from
The Lewistown Sentinel:
December 18, 2006: K-9 School Search
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit was called to assist an officer investigating a possible drug violation at the Mount Union Area Junior High School. Corporal Lippmann and K-9 Saxon responded, and the school requested a search of all lockers on campus. The investigation is ongoing.
November 22, 2006: K-9 School Search
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit assisted the Huntingdon County Drug Task Force, the Huntingdon Borough Police Department, and the Huntingdon Area School District with a K-9 Search of the Huntingdon Area High School. K-9 Spin and K-9 Saxon, along with K-9 Brit of the Huntingdon County Sheriff's Office searched the High School as part of a drug free school's initiative.
October 28, 2006 01:03 a.m.:
K-9 Spin alerted to the presence of a controlled substance within a vehicle during the course of a traffic stop in the Borough of Mount Union. As a result of Spin's alert, a suspected controlled substance was discovered within the vehicle, which has now been sent to the lab for analysis. Charges will be pending the results of the lab analysis.
The Week of October 23 - October 27, 2006:
K-9 Spin, handled by Chief Richtscheit and K-9 Saxon, handled by Corporal Lippmann both took part in a week long training and certification event during which both dogs and both handlers performed to a level well above the certification standards. Both K-9s are now recertified in Narcotics Detection! Congratulations to Chief Richtscheit with K-9 Spin and Corporal Lippmann with K-9 Saxon!
Thursday October 26, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit Demonstration:
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit participated in "Red Ribbon Week" at the Trough Creek Elementary School. Approximately 50 third, fourth and fifth graders watched a short demonstration of Saxon's ability to find drugs, and took part in a discussion on drug awareness and prevention. Red Ribbon Week helps support drug and alcohol awareness for youngsters.
Saturday October 21, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit "Meet and Greet":
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit took part in the Lewistown Wal-Mart Super Center's "
October Safety Month" program. The event took place from 10 am to 2 pm, and the K-9 Unit was glad to meet all of you that stopped by while we were there! Wal-Mart also presented the K-9 Unit with a check for $500 through the "Safe Neighborhood Heroes" grant program, which will be used towards our unit's expenses for training, equipment, veterinary care, food and nutrition essentials, and related expenses. A special thanks to Wal-Mart for the generous donation!Monday October 16, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit Meets Rockhill Elementary 3rd Grade:
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit gave a demonstration and talk to the third grade at Rockhill Elementary School. The topics included drug prevention and a discussion on how dogs work as Police Officers, what they do, and how we train - "We're in school just like you!"
Sunday October 8, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit "Meet and Greet":
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit was present at the Huntingdon Wal-Mart as part of Huntingdon County's Emergency Responder's Day to help kick off Fire Prevention Week. A number of emergency services, including police, fire and EMS, will be present. The event, which was organized by the Huntingdon County Emergency Management Office, was scheduled from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. We were glad to see you there!
Saturday October 7, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit Demonstration:
The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit gave a talk and demonstration at the Brady Henderson Fall Festival located at the Brady Township Elementary School. We met with approximately 75 visitors, demonstrated Saxon's ability to find drugs in a car, and had a lot of fun! Thanks to the Brady-Henderson Township Elementary School for inviting us! Check out some pictures
here.Wednesday September 27, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit apprehends fleeing suspect:
The Mount Union Police Department received a report of a highly intoxicated individual on a payphone at a local business. Upon arrival in the area, the female had fled from the area. Officers, with the assistance of the MUPD K-9 Unit, located the suspect hiding in the woods behind the business. The female was ordered out of the woods, and complied as a result of the K-9 barking. The female was arrested for Public Drunkenness and other summary offenses and released to a responsible party.
Sunday September 10, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit Receives Grant Monies from Wal-Mart Super Center in Lewistown:
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit received a check for $500.00 towards the fund drive from Wal-Mart Super Center in Lewistown. The monies came through a grant program called "
Safe Neighborhood Heroes", which is a program through the Wal-Mart Foundation. The Mount Union Police Department K-9 Unit will be present during Wal-Mart's "October Safety Month" day on October 21, 2006 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Wal-Mart in Lewistown. Please stop by and say hello!
Wednesday September 6, 2006 - MUPD K-9 "Saxon" and Corporal Lippmann to begin "Patrol Dog I" Training:
The Mount Union Borough K-9 Fund has raised sufficient funds for Corporal Lippmann and his K-9 Partner, Saxon, to begin "Patrol Dog I" Training. The training includes: criminal apprehension, tracking, building search, article search, obedience, agility, and other components of training for a "Patrol Dog". Corporal Lippmann and Saxon are both excited to begin the training, and can't wait to start "taking bites"! :-)
Monday September 4, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Apprehends Fleeing Suspect:
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit was called out to assist MUPD Officers chasing a fleeing subject on foot through the Chestnut Terrace Development on Ridge Avenue and Federal Drive. The suspect had crashed in the Allenport area, was suspected of DUI and Drug Violations, and ran from officers when approached. Within 8 minutes of the phone call requesting K-9, the suspect was in custody.
Saturday August 26, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Fund Drive in Full Swing:
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Fund partnered with the owners of Splash Car Wash, located on East Shirley Street in Mount Union Borough. The proprietors, SEJ, Inc., donated all proceeds at the car wash through the entire day to the fund drive. A total of $800 was donated by SEJ, Inc. and an additional $840 was collected in donations on site. Thanks again to the Taliff's and Splash Car Wash for their assistance in raising funds to keep the K-9 Unit in operation!
Sunday August 20, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Assists in Capturing Stabbing Suspect:
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit assisted in capturing Dale Womack, who is suspected of stabbing another individual in the Borough of Mount Union early Sunday Morning. The K-9 Unit was deployed, and was able to keep the suspect from running or fighting with officers while attempting to take Womack into custody.
Friday August 11, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit Performs Consent Search:
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit was requested by Pennsylvania State Police to assist in searching a vehicle where the operator had given consent to search. The K-9 was deployed to search the car, and did not detect any illicit drugs. Troopers were advised of the same.
Thursday August 10, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit Assists in Capturing Fleeing Subject:
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit assisted the Pennsylvania State Police during a high-speed pursuit east on SR22 towards Lewistown. PSP units were able to successfully deploy "spike strips" which deflated the tires on the fleeing vehicle. The operator, Scott Nathan North, ran on foot from the disabled vehicle, and stopped when an announcement that the police K-9 would be sent if he continued to run. North was then taken into custody without further incident.
Tuesday August 8, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit Requested to Search Business:
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit, through the Huntingdon County Drug Task Force, was requested to search a business located in Smithfield Township, PA. The business owner had requested the check of the area after suspecting that drugs might be hidden there. A thorough search with K-9 Saxon indicated that there were no illicit drugs present.
Tuesday August 1, 2006 - MUPD K-9 Unit Participates in National Night Out Events:
The Mount Union Borough Police Department K-9 Unit participated in the Mount Union Community Action Partnership's "National Night Out" Event, located at the Municipal Park along Park Street. K-9's Saxon and Spin, handled by Corporal Lippmann and Chief Richtscheit, performed demonstrations in Obedience, Narcotics Detection, and Apprehension.
