New K-9 Teams Strengthen Patrols On Maryland Parks And Waterways

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Natural Resources Police announced Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, the addition of two K-9s to its ranks, an expansion officials said will strengthen drug detection and public safety operations on Maryland’s parks, waterways and public lands.

K-9 Rocky, a male Belgian Malinois from Mexico, has been partnered with Cpl. Brian Walter. K-9 Megan, a female Belgian Malinois also from Mexico, has been partnered with Cpl. Will Ruffner, the agency said.

Both dogs recently completed controlled dangerous substances detection training with the Maryland State Police and received their badges this week during a ceremony at Tawes Garden in Annapolis. NRP said the dogs will continue training in article searches and human tracking to expand their capabilities.

The department credited local grant funding for the expansion and thanked the Maryland Natural Resources Police Reserve Officer Association, the Baltimore County Kennel Club, the Chesapeake Toy Dog Fanciers Club and the Chesapeake K-9 Fund for support that helped bring the longtime K-9 program goal to fruition.