K-9 Holli is a three-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd. She and her K-9 handler, Officer John Collins, have forged an extraordinary partnership and it’s on full display. Six weeks into their 10-week, 400-hour initial training, and the two have earned their official certification through the Oregon Police Canine Association.

The K-9 handler school is extremely demanding and difficult. To have certified at this point requires a great deal of self-discipline, attention to detail, and willingness to learn. The class instructors have been impressed by Officer Collins' performance and are confident in K-9 Holli's ability to track. 

Once she's out on patrol, K-9 Holli will be able to track suspects, articles of evidence (clothing, weapons, and the like) and missing/lost persons, as well as clear buildings and spaces for potentially dangerous individuals.

Training has also prepared her to protect her handler, if needed. But training doesn't stop, just because Officer Collins and K-9 Holli have passed their certification. It will be ongoing for the life of her service, as it does for all police canines. 

Officer Collins and K-9 Holli will be on patrol starting in late November.  

Location: Hillsboro Police Department, Main Precinct - 250 SE 10th Avenue

The workshop will highlight career opportunities, salary and benefits, and provide an opportunity to interact and ask questions of officers who have been through the process and are doing the job.  

Hillsboro Police currently has both entry-level and lateral police officer processes open. 

Lighting is often overlooked in our home security plan, but it actually can be very effective in deterring criminal and other unwanted behavior.  

Just think about neighborhoods where no one has their porch lights on. What’s the message? Many might say it fosters feelings of fear, vulnerability and lack of safety. It’s dark, no one cares, and no one is around, except perhaps those who have ill intent. And of course, those who have ill intent, find safety in the cover of darkness as it conceals their activities.

Now contrast that with neighborhoods where residents have their porch lights on and keep them on throughout the night. Does that feel better? I think most would say, “yes.” It sends the message to would-be thieves and vandals that residents care and are looking out for the best interest of their neighborhood. 

If your travels will take you over a mountain pass in the coming months, there's a decent chance you'll see a sign requiring you to carry or use chains or traction tires. 

Chains include link chains, cable chains or any other device that attaches to the wheel, vehicle, or outside of the tire, specifically designed to increase traction on snow and ice.

Traction tires are studded tires, retractable studded tires or other tires that meet the tire industry definition as suitable for use in severe snow conditions. Tires designated by the tire industry display a mountain/snowflake emblem on the tire sidewall.

Know before you go - Get information on chain and traction tire requirements in certain locations from the Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck.com.

Failure to carry or use chains or traction tires when required could result in a $165 ticket.

Studded tires may not be put on until November 1 and must be removed by March 31.

News Highlights

From the City of Hillsboro