In November of 2014, the Palatine Police Department welcomed its 4th canine in department history to the force. K9 Puma is a female German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix and she was born on August 2, 2012. Puma is partnered with Officer Christians where they completed an 8 week Basic K9 Training course through FMK9 (in Elkhart, Indiana). K9 Puma is certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) in narcotics detections, building/area searches, criminal apprehension, tracking of suspects and lost persons. Puma retired in September of 2021 and currently lives at home with Officer Christians and his family.
