The Salisbury Police Department has officially welcomed its newest K-9, Chaos, to the Salisbury Police Department K-9 unit. 

On Monday, the Salisbury City Council voted to accept the donation of the Belgian Malinois mix from Throw Away Dogs Project, an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that helps train dogs into law enforcement canines.

Chaos had initially been in training for bed bug detection, but was found to respond better to police work and detection training. 

Along with handler Officer A. Gutierrez, Chaos completed an initial six-week K-9 training, where he was certified in explosive detection.

“Chaos has been wonderful at adapting and training alongside me as his new handler,” said Gutierrez. “The unspoken connection is still growing, but I am very honored to have been chosen to work in the K-9 unit. Chaos will make a great partner and asset to our team.”

The donation of Chaos was organized by Delmarva K-9, who then connected Chaos to Throw Away Dogs Project.

Chaos was entirely donated, leaving the Salisbury Police Department to fund only the 6 weeks of training for Chaos and Gutierrez, along with equipment needed for operations.

“Our K-9 unit has allowed our Police Department to have a more curated protocol for safety,” said Mayor Jack Heath. “By bringing in specially trained canines, we add a new layer of security for the residents of Salisbury as well as a new partner for an officer. We welcome Chaos to protect our community alongside his handler Officer Gutierrez.”

Chaos will join Axle, Bolt, and Hank at the Salisbury Police Department, with shifts beginning in this month.