Lexington Police K9 Unit showcases new Roy H. Martis Canine Center and regional capabilities

The meeting record included a report and feature on the Lexington Police Department K9 Unit and the Roy H. Martis Canine Center, which showcases the department’s specialized canine operations, training and regional support functions.

Sergeant Rob Frazier, K9 supervisor, and K9 handlers described the kennel facility (opened 2020) and the unit’s scope of work: patrol, narcotics and explosives detection. Officers said most department canines are dual‑purpose (patrol plus narcotics or explosives); a small number are single‑purpose detection dogs. The unit serves Lexington and sometimes responds regionally for events such as the Kentucky Derby or on request from nearby agencies that lack detection resources.

Officer Chaz Grider (head trainer) and Officer Pat Murray (narcotics handler) outlined the selection and training process. Handlers said the department acquires dogs for environmental soundness, strong hunt/ball drive and methodical search behavior; that in‑house trainers certify and maintain the dogs; and that handler selection emphasizes patrol experience, professionalism and community engagement.

The program segment included historical context: Lexington’s K9 program dates to 1962 (then Lexington City Police Department) and the facility is named for Roy H. Martis, an officer fatally wounded in 1985 while serving with a bloodhound team. Participants said the department trains in‑house and emphasizes canine and handler professionalism and community safety.

The segment concluded with a statement that the unit remains a valuable resource for patrol, quick building clearances and regional explosive detection support.

What’s next: The feature was informational; no committee action was required.