K-9 officer joins Forest Preserve Police Department

The Forest Preserve District's newest police officer will be patrolling the preserves on four legs instead of two.

The new K-9 officer, Barny, a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois, was introduced Nov. 12 at the Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners meeting. He will work alongside his human partner, Forest Preserve police officer Anastasios Goulos, who recently joined the Forest Preserve Police Department. 

Goulos has 26 years of canine experience and has handled three police K-9s in his career. Barny is already certified and ready for service, which makes him an ideal addition to the Police Department. 

"Rather than starting from scratch with a new canine, we have an established team that can transition into our department with minimal interruption," said Forest Preserve Board President Judy Ogalla. "That means we can put this resource to work much sooner while reducing the time and expense typically associated with starting a canine program."

Barny is trained in search and tracking, narcotics detection and article search. He will assist officers with locating missing and endangered people, tracking suspects, detecting narcotics and locating evidence.

Barny's role goes beyond the police work he will do alongside Goulos. He will also serve as ambassador for the Forest Preserve and the Police Department.

"We look forward to introducing him at community events, educational programs, school visits and public demonstrations," Ogalla said. "Sometimes, building relationship with the community happens one paw at a time."

Barny was born in Slovakia and then spent time in training in Pennsylvania before partnering up with Goulos. 

"At just 11 months old, Barny was already working the streets and quickly established himself as an exceptional detector dog," Goulos said. 

In his time on the job, Barny had been responsible for the seizure of millions of dollars in illegal currency and large quantities of illegal drugs and has assisted in locating firearms used in violent crimes, Goulos said. He has also helped locate criminal suspects as well as endangered missing people.

When he's not on the job, Barny is a loyal companion to Goulos and his fiancé. He enjoys long walks and likes playing fetch, and he's not above waiting by the refrigerator to see if he can get a little extra chicken. His favorite reward is getting to play with a tug toy, which is both his favorite toy and a strong work motivator, Goulos said. 

"I've had the privilege of working with Barny throughout his law enforcement career, and one of the things that makes him special is his ability to transition instantly from being a highly driven work dog to a loyal companion," he said.

Barny's new position with the Forest Preserve Police Department will put him in new roles and in unique environments while allowing him to also serve as an ambassador for both the Police Department and the Forest Preserve. 

"As Barny begins this new chapter with the Forest Preserve District, his mission will expand beyond traditional police work," Goulos said. "Working in the preserves will also present new and unique operational environments while allowing Barny to continue serving the public in a meaningful way."

This is the third K-9 officer in the Forest Preserve's history. Rosie, a bloodhound, retired in 2012, while Jullo, a German shepherd, retired in 2020. 

Barny is joining the force after the Forest Preserve received a $5,200 anonymous donation specifically designated to support the canine program.

"We are grateful for that generosity and for the community support behind this effort," Ogalla said.