The Eureka Police Department Canine Unit was formed in 1993 and currently consists of one canine team. The unit’s active duty canine is Riki. Riki was imported from Hungary. He is a two year old German Shepherd and his handler is Officer Michael Werges.
In May, 2004 Officer Mike McColl retired the department’s previous canine Aur. Officer McColl had been the department’s Canine Officer since August, 1993. He will continue to assist Officer Werges and Riki in training.
Officer Werges and Riki attended the St Louis Metropolitan Police Canine School. The course trained the canine unit in obedience, agility, article search, suspect search and apprehension.
In addition to the usual calls for service, the Canine Unit will visit schools and other civic organizations.