K-9s don’t get a pension. They don’t get a retirement plan. They get us—or they get forgotten.

In this episode of Beyond the Barrel, we sit down with Chris Bingham—a law enforcement leader with over 20 years of service and a lifelong commitment to police K-9s. A graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, Chris has built and led K-9 programs nationwide—but his most powerful story is the bond with his retired partner, K-9 Tambo.

Chris opens up about loyalty beyond the uniform, the responsibility handlers carry after retirement, and why advocating for working dogs through organizations like Project K9 Hero matters more than ever.

This conversation goes beyond training and tactics—into leadership, sacrifice, fitness, fatherhood, and honoring those who served without a voice.

Off duty. Off script. Beyond the Barrel. Project K-9 Hero

00:00 — K9 Resilience

01:30 — Career Transition

04:50 — Growing Up

07:40 — Fatherhood Impact

11:00 — Communication Matters

15:00 — Finding Direction

21:00 — Entering K9

28:20 — Mentorship Loss

36:40 — Handler Bond

47:05 — Tambo’s Story

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