Round Rock Express donates K-9 to Round Rock Police Department
The Round Rock Express team has donated a K-9 to the Round Rock Police Department. 22-month-old Vada, a Belgian Malinois, was purchased from Slovak Working Dogs overseas by the Express owners Don and Bret Sanders, brought to the United States, and donated on behalf of the team.
The gesture comes less than a year after RRPD K-9 Dega passed away.
Dega passed away after the discovery of an inoperable tumor.
“We are incredibly proud to present Vada to the Round Rock Police Department on behalf of the Round Rock Express,” Bret Sanders said. “After my Dad and I heard of Dega’s passing, we wanted to help. This is just a small token of our appreciation for everything that RRPD does to keep not only Dell Diamond, but the entire City of Round Rock safe on a daily basis.”
Vada was certified this spring by the National Narcotics Detector Dog Association to detect the odor of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and methamphetamines. Police officers are currently training Vada to help with searching and tracking. Vada will soon be able to follow and track human odor and the disruption of the vegetative state to the source.
“We are very thankful and appreciative of the Sanders Family and the Round Rock Express ownership group.” RRPD Officer Robert Ramos said. “Vada has been an amazing addition to the Round Rock PD family, as well as my family at home. She has surpassed my expectations and I could not be happier with her performance and where we are as a K-9 team.” The Sanders Family have also previously donated two K-9 units and a police horse to the Houston Police Department.
Fans will have their first chance to meet Vada on Sunday, May 6 during Bark in the Park at Dell Diamond. Vada will be honored alongside Officer Ramos before the 1:05 p.m. game against the Iowa Cubs. Fans are encouraged to bring their own four-legged friends to the game as well.
To learn more about Bark in the Park at Dell Diamond, click here.