The Dallas Police Department's Canine Squad was formed in 1961. Sergeant Galen B. Richcreek and two patrolmen, S.E. Norman and C.F. Bentley, Jr., were selected from over 200 volunteers to become the first canine handlers in the Dallas Police Department.

The police department purchased the dogs from a canine academy in Brighten, Missouri. The handlers were sent to Missouri for two weeks of training with their dogs. The dogs were trained in obedience, attack, and tracking. Upon their arrival back in Dallas, they were assigned to the Special Enforcement Detail. They worked primarily alone in high-crime areas of the city. In 1969, the squad was expanded to nine dog teams. Each handler and dog were assigned to a Tactical Squad and were supervised by the squad sergeant.

In 1971, the Canine Squad was formed as a separate squad with its own supervisor. The squad was still assigned to the Special Enforcement Detail, also known as “Holloway's Raiders.” The Canine Squad supervisor reported directly to the captain of the Tactical Section, Special Enforcement Detail.

The handlers joining us this year at Norh Texas Irish Festival will be Susan Millard and her canine Zordon and De'Arrius Jones and his canine is Perry.