K9 Unit

IMG_2874aThe Steamboat Springs Police Department's K9 Unit provides essential support in law enforcement operations.  A police dog is a unique asset to the city and requires a very special animal to function as a police canine. 

The K9 unit consists of Officer Brenden Andrews, who has been with SSPD for three years, and his partner, a highly trained Belgian Malinois, Amon, who is certified in narcotics detection including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. 

The city’s first police canine arrived at the department during the final week of January from the Netherlands. Andrews and Amon bonded for the next four weeks establishing a close relationship between partners. 

The pair then attended a month of intensive training at a Colorado K9 Academy before receiving their certification this past month (March 2025). The team has been on patrol the past week including two drug interdiction deployments.

“Brenden pitched the K9 unit idea after the Yampa Valley experienced four fentanyl deaths,” explained Chief Mark Beckett. “We needed another way to try to stem drug trafficking through the area, and we’re excited to have Amon on the team.” 

The SSPD strategic plan identified the objective of implementing a drug K9 for patrol functions and interagency drug interdiction during 2025 and Amon is the first paw in that effort. Long-range, the initiative looks to expand the program with 24/7 K9 services at the SSPD by 2027.

Amon

  • Breed: Belgian Malinois
  • Age: 3 years old (DOB: Feb 2023)
  • Weight: 50 pounds (he is full-grown)
  • Gender: Male
  • Favorite Toy: Orange Football
  • From: Netherlands

A male, two-year-old, Amon is full grown and weighs in at 50 pounds. He is on a strict high protein diet to stay in top athletic shape. His favorite toy is the orange football that is a reward for a successful training exercise or drug search. As a working police dog, the public should ask Officer Andrews for permission before approaching or reaching toward Amon.

K9 Amon & Officer Andrews

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K9 Amon

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Body Armor Donation

In late September 2025, K9 Amon has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.   K9 Amon’s vest was sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL and embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. 

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is US made, custom-fitted, and National Institute of Justice certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,225 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations. 

Thanks for keeping Amon safe and looking sharp! 

Northwest Colorado K9 Units

Amon isn’t the only K9 employed by law enforcement in Northwest Colorado. He joins Bella, Winston and Cleo with the Routt County Sheriff’s Office and Odin and Bane with the Craig Police Department.