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I've known of the gentleman in this episode for over 30 years, but just actually met him face to face around 6 months ago. Ken is one of the pioneers as it relates to working k9's in the state of North Carolina. It is likely that he introduced the Malinois to police work in NC. The description below does not come close to describing his accomplishments or contributions to the police K9 community. If you don't know his name there's a good reason. From my perspective Ken doesn't have a huge social media footprint. The reason is that he is still very actively working procuring and training dogs and not focused on self promotion. It was an honor to pick his brain and stroll down memory lane. 

Orchard Knoll K9 was started in 1983 by Ken Mathias. Ken was with the Raleigh Police Department and started Raleigh's Police K-9 Program. Ken’s original donated dog failed on the street prompting Ken to sell his truck and purchase Juno a Belgian Malinois imported by Gerry Lapham from Germany. Juno became the first Malinois in the United States to achieve the United States Police Canine Associations PD1, PD2 and Detector Dog certification. Ken continued to import dogs from Europe for Police Departments across the United States providing over 5000 top quality dogs for police service. Ken continued with the Raleigh Police Department rising through the ranks across multiple divisions until retirement at the rank of Division Commander (Major). Upon retiring from Raleigh Police Department Ken went on to become a special agent with the NC Department of Special Investigations serving as their Program Coordinator and K9 trainer. Ken is now retired from the SBI, but working diligently procuring and training dogs at Orchard Knoll. 

Contact Ken at: [email protected] or (919) 622-4807.

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Welcome our sponsor Gold Coast K9. Gold Coast K9 trains and deploys hand-selected service dogs for personal and family protection, police agencies, and school districts. Their training programs rank among the best and most trusted in the world. Follow Gold Coast k9 on all social media platforms. For 10% off merchandise use the GCK910 discount code on their website www.goldcoastk9.com

HLTK9 Conference continues to be a supporter of the WDDP. They are gearing up for the next conference in Myrtle Beach SC. Plan ahead, the 2026 conference will be April 14 - 16 2026. Register today at www.htlk9.com.

Welcome our newest sponsor NCK9LLC. Located in Four Oaks NC, just east of Raleigh NC. Jim O'Brien and staff offer a variety of K9 services. Contact them at Phone : 919-353-7149 Email: [email protected]