TEXARKANA, AR — The Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD) is boosting its patrol power with the addition of a second K9 team to the ranks.
Following weeks of intensive training alongside his handler, Officer Jackson Thornell, K9 Machi is officially on duty. The newly certified duo is fully prepared for narcotics detection, building searches, and standard patrol operations. According to department officials, Machi and Officer Thornell will play a critical role in tracking suspects, seizing illegal drugs, and providing backup during high-risk calls.
Proving Their Skills Early
Though new to the streets, the team is already pulling in accolades. Officer Thornell and K9 Machi recently traveled to Greenville, Texas, to compete in the United States Police Canine Association Region 20 Field Trials. Going head-to-head with more than 20 elite teams from across the country, the TAPD duo locked in an impressive fifth-place overall finish.
In addition to their field trial success, they secured their official patrol certification through the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association.
They weren’t the only local team marking milestones, either. During the same event, TAPD Officer Ryne Stubbs and K9 Kashko also successfully earned their re-certifications for both patrol and narcotics operations, ensuring the department’s K9 unit remains sharp and highly capable.
A Community-Backed Mission
Bringing a new K9 onto the force is a true community effort. TAPD extended a special thank you to local citizens and Commercial National Bank, whose generous sponsorship directly funded the expansion of the department’s K9 unit.
With Machi and Kashko both fully certified and hitting the pavement, Texarkana residents can rest a little easier knowing these highly trained teams are on the watch.
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