When the Huntsville Police Department (HPD)
shared a Facebook post in March about a major drug trafficking bust by the North Alabama Drug Task Force (NADTF)
and the U.S. Postal Inspectors, the public quickly zeroed in on one team member: the K-9 in the photo. 
About 75% of the comments asked the same thing – “Who’s the dog?”
From Poland to North Alabama: Dexter’s training and rise as a top detection K-9
Dexter’s journey began in Poland, where he was bred and raised by a kennel specializing in law enforcement working dogs. In 2023, Dexter joined NADTF, a multi-jurisdictional federal drug task force led by HPD. 
Dexter underwent rigorous training at HPD’s K-9 Academy. Over several months, he received instruction solely focused on narcotics detection. Thanks to his natural drive and sharp instincts, Dexter graduated as a top-performing single-purpose K-9, earning certifications from both the HPD Academy and the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) .
Dynamic duo: Agent Ian Wiley and Dexter, on and off duty
Whether patrolling highways or working alongside the U.S. Postal Inspectors or commercial couriers, Agent Ian Wiley and Dexter have formed a dynamic duo. Dexter’s keen nose has proven to be instrumental in uncovering illegal narcotics before they hit the streets.
“Training through HPD’s K-9 program has helped tremendously,” Wiley said. “The work we put in this year and last really reflects his seizures on the street.”
In the office, Dexter is known for his energetic personality – sprinting after his beloved ball, plowing through obstacles with ease and being showered with attention from fellow agents.
At home, not much changes. Wiley says Dexter is every bit the same – part loyal protector, part lovable goofball.
“One funny thing he has learned is to open my back door and grace us with his presence when he is out in the backyard,” Wiley said. “He’s a goof and all business at the same time.”
More than a partner: The vital role of K-9s in law enforcement
Dexter may not be a part of HPD’s full-time K-9 unit, but his impact is just as strong – a testament to the department’s top-tier training and the role K-9s play in today’s public safety efforts.
HPD’s K-9 Unit currently has nine full-time K-9 teams: two trained in explosive detection and seven dual-purpose dogs for patrol and narcotics detection. Weekly training brings together 10-20 teams from local, state and federal agencies, and HPD’s new, purpose-built training facility is enhancing that collaboration even further. 
“This is the first training facility designed specifically for our needs,” HPD K-9 Unit Supervisor Sgt. Kevin Matthews says. “It lets us train 24/7, in all conditions – crucial when working with dogs trained to track suspects, detect drugs or explosives and apprehend violent offenders.”
Whether part of HPD or a task force like NADTF, expertly trained K-9s like Dexter remain essential in modern policing – loyal, driven and always ready to serve.
