News Release

Hot Springs National Park K9 Officer Konyak Retires and Two New K9s Join the Team

K9 Officer Konyak and Ranger Little

NPS Photo

News Release Date: July 25, 2022

Contact: Jeff Johnson, 501-620-6781

Hot Springs, Ark. - After 6 years with Hot Springs National Park, K9 Officer Konyak has officially retired. Konyak is a seven-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois and during his tenure with the National Park Service has become one of the most celebrated K9 rangers across the agency.

Konyak served as a dual-purpose patrol and narcotics K9. Over the last 6 years, Konyak made just under 50 arrests by surrender; he successfully tracked fleeing suspects in the woods (including locating a suspect hiding in an attic); he assisted in vehicle pursuits and felony traffic stops; he recovered hidden and discarded evidence; and he has helped seize over $10,000 USD in narcotics and U.S. currency.

Konyak and his handler, Ranger Little, worked closely with local agencies such as the Hot Springs Police Department, Garland County Sheriff’s Office, and Arkansas State Troopers. In addition, the team also served at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, in Arizona, and at Yosemite National Park. When not in the field, Konyak also had the opportunity to conduct countless public demonstrations in the park and at schools across Garland County.

With Officer Konyak’s retirement, the park has brought on two new K9 Officers, Raya and Caesar. Raya is a one-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois. She was donated to Hot Springs National Park and is certified as a dual-purpose patrol and narcotics K9. Raya will team with Ranger Little and certainly has big paws to fill following Konyak. Caesar is a (nearly) two-year-old Sable Shepard. He is bilingual and understands commands in two languages. He will partner with Ranger Summerlin.

While they both love to work and play, K9 Officers also serve a vital role at Hot Springs National Park. K9s work fearlessly to protect their handlers and support the rest of the Ranger team. The park is excited to have two young and eager K9s on-board and look forward to all they will accomplish!

While Officer Konyak will certainly be missed, the park wishes him a long and happy retirement full of sleeping in, lounging on the couch and in local creeks, and enjoying some high-quality family time. He will continue to live with his human family in the Hot Springs area.

Should you have any questions about the K9 program at Hot Springs National Park please contact the Chief Ranger Johnson at [phone]. If you’d like to follow along on Raya’s and Caesar’s adventures, be sure to follow the park on social media (@HotSpringsNPS).