New K9 Officer Achieves Dream of Combining Work with Pets

By Jillian Beaster

After achieving her childhood dream of becoming a law-enforcement officer in 2019, today Ashley Molinelli is one step closer to another dream: working with dogs through the Lake Forest Police Department K9 program.

“I absolutely love dogs … [and] I love proactive police work,” Molinelli said. “I think it's the best way to combine the two.”

"I'm excited to learn about my dog and reading my dog to the point where I know everything about them," says Ashley Molinelli about Buzz.

Molinelli has served on patrol, making traffic stops and responding to calls ranging from car accidents to domestic issues. Now, as LFPD’s K9 officer, Molinelli will have new responsibilities in addition to a new schedule. 

“The dog and I have to meet a monthly minimum of 16 training hours,” Molinelli said. “On top of that, we can walk around cars [when other officers make stops] and search for drugs, and I can also respond to any calls for service in the area [that require a dog].” 

After the retirement of K9 Chase in 2024, the LFPD has since sought to continue the valuable program. K9 dogs offer critical support to officers through their training in narcotic detection, tracking, searches and apprehension.

When Molinelli was informed about the K9 program, she submitted her resume along with a letter of interest, and she underwent formal interviews with the LFPD administration. Molinelli anticipates that she and her new German Shepherd will be ready by mid-November.

“The dogs are trained in obedience as well as narcotic and tracking work,” Molinelli said. “When I come in, I do eight weeks of intensive narcotic training and tracking work with the dog, as well as building a relationship.” 

Officers and dogs are paired by what the officer’s respective agency is looking for, as well as personality. Molinelli was recently paired with her dog, Buzz, and she is excited for the opportunity and prepared for the challenge. 

“I have to read my dog in any little cue that they make, so I'm excited to learn about my dog and reading my dog to the point where I know everything about them,” said Molinelli, who added that will take about two years.

While Molinelli has gained a new partner, she has also added a new member to her family, as the dog will return home with her after each day.