K-9 Jasko was one of the first two dogs that started the Springfield Police Department K-9 program. K-9 Jasko was born in West Germany and trained in the sport of Schutzhund where he attained a Schutzhund II title. From Germany, he was sent to Mandelyn Kennels in Bakersfield, California where he was purchased by the Springfield Police Department and assigned to Sergeant Roberts. After three weeks of intensive training, he and Sergeant Roberts returned to Springfield where they started on what was to be a successful seven year career, serving and protecting the citizens of Springfield and Lane County.

The first capture by K-9 Jasko came on November 11, 1981 at I-105 & 42nd St. off ramp. Lane County Sheriff deputies were involved in an elude with a motorcycle that the operator later abandoned and fled on foot into a field. K-9 Jasko was brought to the scene and within minutes the operator of the motorcycle was captured. This was a relatively easy capture for Jasko, but the Springfield officers, deputies and Oregon State Police were jubilant. Another capture by K-9 Jasko occurred when the Eugene Police Department requested assistance at the Pepsi bottling company. They had received three different alarms within a two-hour period and searched the building each time without success. K-9 Jasko entered the business and in a short time discovered an escaped convict hiding in a kitchen cabinet. On another occasion, a suspect in a number of drug and weapon-related incidents, who was considered armed and dangerous, led the Oregon State Police on a high-speed chase before running from the vehicle. K-9 Jasko was called to the scene and searched for several blocks before locating the suspect hiding under large tree boughs in a lumber pile. The suspect refused to come out from hiding, so K-9 Jasko seized him by the leg and pulled him out into the open where he could be safely taken into custody. The suspect had been armed with a hand grenade when captured only three days earlier by a Eugene Police K-9 Team.

K-9 Jasko was always a standout with the public. He had a puppy-like personality and his solid black color and large size brought him much attention, both at demonstrations and on the street. His career ended exactly seven years after it started when he became unable to function due to a degenerative spinal disease. K-9 Jasko was credited with 35 captures which resulted in recovered property valued at 1,877.00.

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