The Ray Police Department and Berthold-Carpio Police Department announced on Wednesday, May 6 that Police Chief Greg Pinski and his K9 partner, Bodhi, achieved a historic victory at the U.S. Police Canine Association’s National Detector Trials held May 3–6 in Atlantic City, N.J.
Competing against elite police K9 teams from across the country, Bodhi earned Top Dog – First Place in Narcotics Detection, achieving a perfect score during the intense national competition. According to the press release, the canine officer “represented both his primary USPCA Region 12 and secondary Region 21, demonstrating exceptional precision, unwavering focus, operational excellence, and the elite level of training required to compete among the nation’s top police K9 teams.”
The trials tested canine teams through a series of challenging, timed narcotics detection scenarios involving hidden narcotics in vehicles and interior rooms. The competition draws some of the most highly trained police dogs and handlers from around the United States.
Founded in 1971, the USPCA is recognized as the nation’s oldest and largest police K9 organization. To qualify for the national trials, each K9 team must first successfully pass regional certification standards, ensuring only the top-performing teams advance to the national stage.
With his victory, K9 Bodhi makes history as the first police K9 from North Dakota to win a first-place title at the USPCA National Trials — considered a milestone achievement not only for the police departments Pinski and Bodhi represent, but also for law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
According to a post on the Berthold-Carpio Police Department’s Facebook page, K9 Bodhi was initially trained by Pete Nielsen, Chief of Police for the West Fargo Police Department. Bodhi was then purchased by the BCPD, with then-Officer Greg Pinski selected as the K9 handler. The two quickly developed an exceptional working partnership built on discipline, trust, and relentless training. Their bond and effectiveness in the field soon became evident throughout North Dakota law enforcement circles.
“We are beyond proud of them and feel truly blessed they are part of our community,” the post read. “Drug dealers will continue to take a different route.”
The City of Ray posted on its own Facebook page, “President Kupper and the entire city commission and staff extend their congratulations to this outstanding team on their WONDERFUL achievement. Their dedication and expertise have earned this prestigious award, demonstrating their exceptional service to the community. The city is well-protected knowing that Nationally Recognized professionals are serving us.”
Pinski now serves as Chief of Police for the Ray Police Department while continuing to serve part-time with the BCPD.
“This accomplishment is something we are incredibly proud of,” Pinski said. “To compete against some of the best K9 teams in the nation and come away with a perfect score and national championship is truly humbling. Bodhi performed flawlessly and represented our departments, our regions, and the state of North Dakota with excellence.”
Pinski also expressed sincere appreciation to the communities and agencies that support the K9 program, along with special thanks to Tom Conroy and his family, as well as Chief Tracy Stuart, for hosting and organizing the competition.
“We appreciate all the hard work and dedication that goes into putting on an event of this magnitude,” he added. “The professionalism and hospitality shown throughout the week were exceptional.”
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