Commander Deanie Earthman & K9 Umi Ginny Chase & K9 Umi

Security at St. Mary’s Hospital (Colorado)

Deanie has been involved with K9 for over 35 years. She worked for Grand Junction Police Department 1987 to 2017, 28 years of her career she was a K9 handler. She worked six K9’s during her career.

After retiring Deanie has stayed involved in K9. She trains K9 teams in western Colorado, northwest Colorado and Wyoming. February 2021 Deanie was contacted by SCL Health, St. Mary’s Hospital about helping them start a K9 program.Deanie began working in the Emergency Department with K9 Talu.

In September 2021 Deanie began working in the Emergency Department with K9 Umi. Umi is a 6 year old German shepherd with French bloodlines. Umi splits her time working and training in apprehension/muzzle work at SCL Health St. Mary’s Hospital, and training in tracking and HRD with Ginny. Umi is already trained and certified in tracking through High Desert Police K9 Association, and the National Police Canine Association. She and Ginny are working towards a HRD certification. At the same time she and Deanie are working towards a Handler Protection certification through the National Police Canine Association.

Ginny is retired after 31 years from the Grand Junction Fire Department, and Grand Junction Police Department. Ginny is our resident K9 medic.

Even though she is super busy Umi always finds time to run at her private playground with her best dog friend K9 Te Ka. Umi also loves running in the mountains.

Meet More of Our Active K9 Team Members