By: Abby Shepard, Marketing Director at Delaware State Parks

The day has come for Officer Trevor Ditmore and Corporal John Lister to make the journey from Dover, Delaware to Denver, Indiana in order to select the new patrol dogs for DNREC’s Delaware State Parks. Over the course of the week, the team will be testing a group of dogs from Van Liche Kennels in order to determine which dogs will best suit the needs of the Division. The kennel, a premier full service canine training facility, has trained Police and Military Dogs for over 5000 enforcement and government agencies. Testing will involve putting a group of about 20 dogs through different activities in order assess the dogs’ instincts and personalities.

Scenic views out the car window headed to Indiana

Along with Officer Ditmore and Corporal Lister, 4 members of the Delaware State Police and 1 member of Newark Police Department also made the trip to Indiana. By the end of the week, 7 dogs will be coming back to Delaware to start training at the Canine Academy: 2 for DNREC, 4 for the State Police, and one for Newark.

Officers from Delaware Natural Resources Police; State Park Enforcement, Delaware State Police, Newark Police,

Early Monday morning, the team loaded up three vehicles outfitted with kennels, and began the 700 mile drive. Eleven hours and 5 state later, the team successfully arrived in Denver, Indiana, and are ready to start testing dogs first thing Tuesday morning!

Read more about the Delaware State Parks Canine Program Here!