Fundraiser Will Benefit Redlands Police Department K-9 Unit

The Mexico Café, located at 892 E. Highland Ave, San Bernardino, will host its annual Dollars for Dogs fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, June 13, with all proceeds going to support and expansion of the Redlands Police Department K9 Unit. Highlights will include K-9 demonstrations by the Redlands Police Department canine Chewy, a 4-year-old German shepherd. The RPD ballistic capable rescue/tactical vehicle will also be there. In December 2008, the Redlands Police Department began its drug-sniffing K-9 program with Radar, a black Labrador mix, and his handler, Redlands Police Officer Dan Figgins, using only private donations. In 2012, Radar retired as a working police canine and the department acquired a trained 3-year-old chocolate Labrador named Kass, who worked with his partner Officer Patrick Estrada. Kass was retired from duty in 2013 due to health issues. He still lives with Officer Estrada and his family. In December 2013, the department received Chewy, a narcotics odor detection dog who works with Officer Estrada. The department intends to expand the unit with the addition of another dog. Redlands Police narcotics officers frequently call on the department canine and also make him available to other local and federal agencies. Chewy also provides regular service to local schools through a contract with the Redlands Unified School District. Since 2008, the ongoing training, medical costs, equipment, and lodging for the department’s canines have been supported entirely by private donations with no cost to the City’s General Fund. The Redlands Police Department also accepts direct donations to the K-9 program. Contact your tax professional to determine if your donation is tax deductible. Donations may be made out to the City of Redlands, attention Police Canine Fund, tax ID number 95-6000766. For further information, email Officer Estrada at pestrada@redlandspolice.org.