The Chapel Hill Police Department is training a new canine officer to replace Ace after four years on the job as one of the Guardians of the Hill.

K-9 Ace’s career with Chapel Hill Police began in 2016. He is a German Shepard and Belgian Malinois mix that came from Slovakia through Ventosa Kennels.

In light of Ace’s retirement, the police department will soon be training a new K-9 officer: Mando.

K-9 Mando is from Poland through Ventosa Kennels in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. He is a German Shepard that will be trained as a dual-purpose canine.

K-9 Mando (Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill)

Mando will be trained in narcotic detection, tracking, evidence searches, building searches, and handler protection. The police department said they are “looking forward to a great career with our newest member of the Chapel Hill Police Department’s K-9 Unit.”

Mando will be trained by Ace’s former handler Officer Belcher.

The K-9 program is a lifetime partnership. Ace will retire with his handler, Officer Belcher, for the remainder of his life.

“We are sure he will help show Mando the ropes, and Mando will likely tell him the stories from the shift when he returns home to keep Ace connected to the career in which he served so well,” the police department said in a release on Friday.

Click here to watch a video Officer Belcher and K-9 Ace did  in 2019 explaining The Working Dog.

 

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

 

Related Stories
‹
Chapel Hill Attempted Murder Investigation Leads to Arrest in Chatham County
Two weeks after a shooting injured one person outside a Chapel Hill apartment complex, local authorities say the suspect has been detained and charged. A release from the Chapel Hill Police Department confirmed the arrest of 22-year-old Jose Luis Enamorado Flores of Chatham County, saying he faces 21 different charges stemming from the Apr. 4 […]
Police: 12 Vehicles Broken Into at Chapel Hill Apartment Complex; Residents Asked to Stay Alert
The Chapel Hill Police Department is asking community members to exercise caution amid a string of vehicle break-ins around town. Officers say they found 12 vehicles broken into Wednesday at the Hartley apartment complex at 540 South Elliott Road, and estimate the break-ins happened around 2 a.m. The department says it has received 95 reports […]
UPDATE: Man Reported Missing to Chapel Hill Police Found After Short Search
UPDATE: An OC Alerts message shared at 8:51 p.m. said Amit Desai was safely located. The Chapel Hill Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating a missing person. Police officers say 51-year-old Amit Desai was last seen around 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Circle K gas station at the intersection of East […]
Chapel Hill to Open Police Substation on West Franklin Street in Early March
The Town of Chapel Hill will be staging more police officers downtown starting next month. In a release shared Thursday afternoon on the town’s website, the local government said it plans to open a substation of the Chapel Hill Police Department in the former Launch Chapel Hill space at 306 West Franklin Street. The building […]
Chapel Hill Police: Runaway Teenager Safely Located Overnight
UPDATE: The Chapel Hill Police Department shared a message at 1:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 saying Forbes was safely located.
'They Are Safe': How and Why Orange County Activates, Operates its Cold Weather Shelter
For the last four years, whenever winter temperatures drop to freezing, the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness and other local government staff team up to provide an overnight shelter option.
On Air Today: Chili Cook Off and Line Dance Benefiting Family Reading Partners
On Wednesday, December 10, you're invited to The Lincoln Center on Merritt Mill Road as The Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro’s Leadership Class of 2025 hosts the Chili Cook Off & “Boots on the Ground” Dance Party, a one-night-only fundraiser benefiting Family Reading Partners. Enjoy delicious chili from local contestants, kick up your boots on the dance floor, and help raise funds to support early literacy programs for families in our community.
UPDATE: Missing Chapel Hill Teen Safely Located
Chapel Hill Police announced Friday afternoon that Mikylah Barnes had been safely located. The Chapel Hill Police Department is asking for the community’s help in locating a missing local teen. Police say 16-year-old Mikylah Barnes was last seen in the area of Valentine Lane – just off North Carolina Highway 86 – around 10:30 […]
Multiple UNC Football Players Facing Reckless Driving Charges
Several UNC football players are facing charges of reckless driving, speeding and other violations. An investigation by WRAL, originally published Monday afternoon, reported that “nearly 20 percent” of UNC’s 101-man roster has been cited for speeding since October of 2024. The investigation named three specific players: linebacker Khmori House, safety Gavin Gibson and cornerback Thaddeus […]
UPDATE: Chapel Hill Teen Safely Located
UPDATE: Chapel Hill Police say Jemarrea Burton has been safely located. The Chapel Hill Police Department is seeking the community’s help in locating a missing local teenager. Jemarrea Burton, 16, was last seen in Chapel Hill Friday morning at approximately 7:30 a.m., according to a release from the department. Police describe Burton as five feet, […]
›