The Handlers
The K-9s
FTO Joshua Faust
#639
In service since: 2003
College: Kutztown University with a Major in Criminal Justice Graduated in December 2000
Rank: K-9 Handler/trainer for the unit. I have been the trainer since 2013 after completing a trainer course at Shallow Creek Kennels.
Why did you want to be a K-9 Handler: My dad’s cousin was a handler for a department near my hometown and I was always fascinated by how the dogs work.
What do you do for fun: Running and exercise, as well as time with my family.
Fact: In 2008 I was appointed to the position of K9 with my first partner Rocky, my second partner was Trooper. Rocky retired in 2013, Trooper retired in 2022. In 2013 I was sent to Shallow Creek Kennels to become the K9 Unit’s trainer.
K-9 Brutus
New info to come on K-9 Brutus.
Officer Brian Adler
#233
In service since: 2011
Rank: K-9 Officer
Why did you want to be a K-9 Handler: Prior to obtaining the K-9 handler position, I was assigned to patrol. K-9 was always a career goal of mine. Working alongside the current handlers over the course of my almost 9-year career drove me to actively pursue my dreams.
Favorite part of your Job: My favorite part of my job is the positive interactions I can have with the public, especially children and young adults.
What do you do for fun: In my free time I enjoy weight lifting and exploring new places, especially those of historical significance, with my family.
K-9 Ghost
Born: March 2018
Age: 2 years old
Origin: Hungary
What does he do in his off time: When Ghost is home, he enjoys playing with every dog toy in the house (our Lab was quite spoiled when she was an only dog) and playing fetch in the backyard.
Officer David Vega
#179
In service since: 2014
Rank: K-9 Officer
College: Liberty University (BS Natural, Physical, & Computational Sciences)
Why did you want to be a K-9 Handler: I loved the prospect of training, working, and living daily with a dog and becoming a greater asset to my department and the surrounding agencies.
Favorite part of your Job: Learning the fundamentals inherent to the role of the K-9 Handler position.
What do you do for fun: I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. Trail walks & short field trips are popular favorites.
K-9 Rex
Date of Birth: August 8, 2018
Origin: Hungary (which is appropriate because Rex has an insatiable appetite)
Breed: German Shepherd
Special talent: So far Rex is in the very early stages of training. I think he is going to become an ideal partner and a perfect companion
What does he do in his off time: Though he has a very high work drive, Rex loves to cuddle when not actively training.
Officer José Ramos
#264
In service since: 2014
Rank: K-9 Officer
Why did you want to be a K-9 Handler: Since I have been employed with the Reading Police Department, I have always desired to be a K-9 Handler. I enjoy watching the dogs work and have been fascinated by their intelligence and agility. While working in patrol, I had the opportunity to see how the K-9 Unit work as a team and their commitment to the community. I have been fortunate enough to train with my personal dog, as a member of the Middle Creek Search and Rescue K-9 Team.
Favorite part of your Job: The team building aspect with my K-9 and fellow handlers. I also enjoy working with the community to build and strengthen the relationship with the Reading Police Department.
What do you do for fun: Spending time with my family, friends and training my own dog.
K-9 Thanos
Date of Birth: March 14, 2021
Origin: Czech Republic
Breed: German Shepherd
Special talent: Thanos can run remarkably fast and has a stationary vertical jump that is nearly 6 feet high.
What does he do in his off time: When Thanos is not working, he loves running around in the back yard, playing with his toys.
Officer Ross Heckler
#286
In service since: 2016
Rank: K-9 Officer
Why did you want to be a K-9 Handler:
Favorite part of your Job:
What do you do for fun:
K-9 Chase
New info to come on K-9 Chase.
Officer Raymond Acevedo
#291
In service since: 2016
Rank: K-9 Officer
Why did you want to be a K-9 Handler: Having been a dog lover my entire life I admire the working dogs work ethic and drive. I would get excited watching the dogs search a building, a vehicle, or perform bite work. Since then I always wanted to be on the other side of the leash leading the dog.
Favorite part of your Job:
What do you do for fun: I compete in Cross Fit competitions as well as police motorcycle competitions.
Fact: I have competed in CrossFit competitions in Maryland, Pennsylvania as well as in the Mojave Desert where I placed third in my division. I also competed in a CrossFit competition during the world police and fire games hosted in the Netherlands. I tied for gold in my skill division.
K-9 Blue
New info to come on K-9 Blue.
Reading Police Department Handlers and Retired K-9s
Andy Winters – K9 Rex
Jason Linderman – K9 Tank
Joshua Faust – K9 Rocky & K9 Trooper
Hector Santiago – K9 Caine & K9 Hemi
Tina Fallstich – K9 Max
Eric Goudy – K9 Reno
John Hutchinson – K9 Cody
Mark Hackney – K9 Nero
Alex Sholedice – K9 Nico
Jim Howe – K9 Bear and K9 Zor
Mark Hafner – K9 Ben and K9 Loki
Dave Gabrielli – K9 Blitz and K9 Fax
Gary Fetter – K9 Zorro
Brian Burr – K9 Rock
Guy Lehman – K9 Logan
Terry Greth – K9 Spartan
Al Baumener – K9 Shane
Tom Kohl – K9 Smokey
Tony Miccki – K9 Shawn and K9 Major
Randy Habecker – K9 Cie and K9 Baron and K9 Wolf
Scott Naugle – K9 Hogan
Al Shade – K9 Baron
Kenny Seifert – K9 Rock
Bob Ramsey – K9 Baron
Jim Bell – K9 King
Terry Sassaman – K9 Nick
Phil Santoro – K9 Thor and K9 Smokey
Joe Stajkowski – K9 Chicky
Stan McCarty – K9 Spike and K9 Max and K9 Bear
Russ Claytor – K9 Cozmo
Dave Speece
Ralph Bearsler
Bob Dohner – K9 Sarge