Although Napa Police Officer Jim Stephenson and his partner spend their entire work day in the same patrol car, go on calls together and sometimes even have lunch with one another, verbal banter between the duo is nil.

It isn't that they aren't close. The two have a bond that goes much deeper than most officers and their partners. The lack of chit-chat is because Stephenson's partner, Mato, is a 3-year-old, 70-pound German shepherd that has been on the Napa police force for about six months.

Mato is the rookie of the two K-9s in the department. Rex, and his handler, officer Ryan Cole, have been a team for several years.

Mato was born, raised and initially trained in the Czech Republic. He understands about 10 commands, which are given in Czech. Mato, and other canines, was brought to United States and later sold to law enforcement agencies.

When Mato arrived in America, he spent his first six months in a kennel in Los Angeles, Stephenson said.

He was a stranger in a foreign land with no master. But that didn't last long. Mato was purchased by the Napa Police Department for $7,500. "And he is worth every penny of that," Stephenson said.

Stephenson and his K-9 trained for a month before Mato was ready to hit the streets. The dog had to meet the Police Officers Standard Training requirements before he could be a full-fledged, badge-toting, four-legged peace officer.

"We also used that time to bond," Stephenson said. "We took to each other almost immediately."

Mato is certified in obedience, building and area search, tracking and protection for the public and his handler, said Napa Police Sgt. Debbie Peecook, who has 21 years experience as a Napa police officer, nine of that working with K-9s. "Mato has also been trained to search for evidence," she said.

One of Mato's talents is his keen ability to sniff out dope. "He can detect marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. He has made hits several times finding drugs in cars and on the suspect," Peecook said.

Mato doesn't have any trouble recognizing the difference between play and work time.

"When he's home, he is kept in the backyard. He sleeps in a kennel. But when he is not working, Mato is just like a typical pet. He loves to play catch. He will fetch anything I throw. The family and I play with him, but we don't get aggressive or rough-house with him," Stephenson said. "He also loves to go for walks."

But when Stephenson puts on his uniform, it doesn't take Mato but a moment to shift gears.

"He recognizes the uniform and the patrol car, and he takes on his serious side. He knows we are going to work," Stephenson said.

Stephenson depends on Mato to do his job. "In situations that I routinely face while on duty, a K-9 can come in real handy," he said. "I chased a prowler down through a creek. He was hiding but when he realized I had the dog, he yelled he was coming out."

Stephenson also recalled a report of a man walking down the street with a gun.

"I stopped him and told him to drop the gun, which he did. But he wouldn't follow my command to hit the ground. I had my gun drawn and pointed at him. I released Mato, and as soon as he saw the dog, he fell to the ground. He wasn't afraid of my gun, but he was of the dog," Stephenson said.

K-9s are not trained to attack a certain target on person's body. "He would never bite anyone without the command, unless he thought I was in danger," he said. "When I release him with the bite command, Mato's job is to get to the bad guy. If the person remains still, Mato won't bite, but if the suspect tries to run or fight with the dog, Mato will go for it."

Most K-9s are on the force between six to eight years. "It depends if they stay healthy. These dogs have a lot of wear and tear and can be injured. When a K-9 is retired from the force, the city offers to sell the dog to the handler. From there, the dog becomes the family's full-time pet," Peecook said. "They can live up to 14-15 years."

Although Mato is all business when the situation demands it, he also has a soft side. Watching Stephenson and Mato together, there is no doubt they have a special bond and mutual respect. As Stephenson stroked his dog, Mato responded by lavishing his handler with sloppy, wet kisses.