The Friends of the Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs hosted a retirement event at the Roseburg Public Safety Center to honor retiring Police K9, Iago. Having served since December of 2011, Roseburg Police Department K9 Iago, is retiring after six years of faithful service to the citizens of Roseburg, Douglas County and his handler, Master Officer Ryan Dingman.

Iago's tracking ability led to 179 suspect apprehensions during his career. Iago's success would not have been possible without the dedication and countless hours of training conducted with his handler, Master Officer Dingman. In addition to the suspect apprehensions, Iago located five missing people and countless items of evidence, to include guns.

Master Officer Oscar Rosas has been selected to replace Master Officer Dingman as RPD's new K9 handler. Master Officer Rosas has been training with the K9 teams since the program began. Chief Burge said, "Master Officer Rosas' experience as a veteran police officer and K9 trainer makes him a perfect fit as a K9 handler in this very successful program at the Roseburg Police Department." Master Officer Rosas said that he is excited to combine his love of dogs with police work.

Chief Burge pointed out that, "The success of the entire Roseburg Police Department K9 program would not be possible without the outstanding support of our community and, especially Friends of the Umpqua Valley Police K9 Programs." Chief Burge specifically thanked "Friends" Chairperson Rosemarie Wess, who has spearheaded fundraising efforts for the program from the very beginning and, a local couple who have purchased five police canines for Douglas County law enforcement agencies since the start of the program.

Master Officer Rosas and his new K9 partner are expected to be ready for patrol duty in March. They will be joining patrol K9 Axel and his handler, Officer Goode, and narcotic detection K9 Trapper and his handler, Officer Derrick.