Officer Dallas Kirby started with the Newcastle Police Department after a hiring announcement early in 2022. Along with his regular training as a police officer, Kirby is an accomplished K-9 officer with extensive training and experience in law enforcement and canine handling.
He can now be seen around Newcastle with his K-9 Ari.
Police Chief Gary Norman said Kirby has a passion for serving and protecting the community, and he has made significant contributions to maintaining public safety through the deployment of highly trained police dogs.
Officer Kirby embarked on his K-9 journey in 2017 with his first K-9, and in 2018 when he successfully completed K-9 Basic School, he acquired fundamental skills in canine handling and obedience training.
Recognizing the value of continuous professional development, Kirby pursued additional training opportunities to enhance his expertise.
In 2019, Officer Kirby further honed his skills by attending an advanced K-9 handler school. This comprehensive program exposed him to advanced scent detection, tracking, and suspect apprehension techniques, elevating his proficiency as a K-9 Officer.
To strengthen his knowledge in combating drug-related crimes, Kirby has completed several drug courses. These specialized training programs have equipped him with the necessary skills to detect illicit substances, support narcotics investigations, and contribute to the apprehension of drug traffickers.
In 2023, Officer Kirby sought additional training through Torchlight’s Dual Purpose/Narcotics Handler course with Newcastle K-9 Ari. Torchlight is considered to be an esteemed organization dedicated to canine training and operations, according to Norman. This course provided Officer Kirby with a comprehensive understanding of dual-purpose canines, allowing him to effectively handle dogs trained in suspect apprehension and narcotics detection.
Recognized for his exceptional skills and knowledge, Kirby has been invited to serve as an adjunct trainer for K-9 courses with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN). In this role, he shares expertise and experience with fellow officers, helping to cultivate the next generation of competent K-9 handlers.
Norman said, “Officer Dallas Kirby is a dedicated professional who consistently strives for excellence in his field. His commitment to ongoing training and collaboration demonstrates an unwavering dedication to maintaining public safety and upholding the law.
“As a K-9 Officer, Kirby’s invaluable contributions significantly impact the Newcastle community, ensuring a safer environment for all.”
