Community Raises Thousands for RPD's K9 Unit

REDLANDS >> Dollars for Dogs, a fundraiser at The Mexico Café in San Bernardino, raised $20,000 in support of the Redlands Police Department’s K9 Unit. Since 2008, 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 department recently revealed plans to expand the K9 Unit with the addition of an another dog, using some of the funds raised through The Mexico Café. In December 2008, the Redlands Police Department began its drug-sniffing K9 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. 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. Officer Estrada recently rotated out of the K9 Unit. Officer Jaimeson Liu will take over as Chewy’s handler. 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.