Barstow’s K9 unit celebrates 1-year anniversary

Bono barked excitedly as his handler, Barstow Police Officer Frank Benitez, pulled his car to the side of the road during a recent patrol to talk to two teenagers who were pushing an all-terrain vehicle.

Benitez spoke to the teenagers to make sure they had not stolen the ATV, then returned to the patrol car once he determined they owned it. Bono calmed down and stopped barking, but remained alert.

Bono — a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois — is one of four police dogs purchased by the Barstow Police last year in order to restart the K9 unit. The dogs were purchased to assist police officers with everyday patrol work, including catching suspects and detecting drugs.

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Swartz Creek’s canine unit bolstered by community support

Sometimes it’s a couple of bucks. Sometimes it’s thousands.

Swartz Creek’s canine unit started with charity, a legacy that has followed Officer Nick Paul and police canine Ike throughout their almost-four-year partnership.

“If it wasn’t for the support of everyone in the community, (this program) wouldn’t happen,” Paul said. “They’ve got my back and they support me. …The guy who drops off $20 could have his house broken into or a loved one could get lost and I know they rely on me to come out.”

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First Police K-9 Handler to Be Honored

His partner was once called the “rookie with a fur coat.” In their day, the two made headlines fighting crime in Riverside.

Fifty-three years later, Loren Mitchell is being honored for his distinguished service as the first K-9 handler for the Riverside Police Department.

Mitchell, now 82, will be recognized during a 6:30 p.m. ceremony at Riverside City Hall, where the career lawman will receive a plaque from police Chief Sergio Diaz as well as special acknowledgements from members of the department’s K9 team.

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RELATED STORY

Community Foundation donation aids Prescott police K9 Unit

Prescott Police Chief Mike Kabbel accepted a $7,000 check recently from Paula Morris of the Yavapai County Community Foundation to be used for the department’s K9 Unit.

Money from the grant will be used to insert a dog cage in a patrol car, buy a ballistic dog vest for the new K9, replace a deteriorating bite suit, and enhance the training area previously built and funded by an earlier YCCF grant, said Lt. Andy Reinhardt, Prescott Police Department spokesman.

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