Police Department Announces Newest K-9's Name

REDLANDS >> The Redlands Police Department’s newest officer is Duke, a 2-year-old, 70-pound, male German shepherd. Duke and his partner, Officer Joseph Valdivia, will join Chewy as part of the RPD K-9 force. Duke was named after a two-week contest asking residents to suggest names for the department’s newest K-9. Mia Griggs, a school teacher and 12-year resident of Redlands, submitted the winning entry. Griggs will have an opportunity to meet and have her picture taken with both RPD K-9s and their handlers. “The name Duke came about in a silly way,” said Griggs, the daughter of a former San Bernardino Police Officer. “I was thinking of a strong name, preferably one syllable that sounded commanding. I was thinking of famous and familiar dogs and Marmaduke came to mind from the comics. I thought shortening it to Duke would be much better and gave off the feel of royalty.” Duke was born May 24, 2014, in Germany and joined the Redlands PD on June 9. He began training on June 20 as an apprehension dog and is also being cross-trained in narcotics detection. During the five-week training, Duke will learn to track and apprehend suspects as well as to detect drugs including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana. At the conclusion of the training and certification Duke and Officer Valdivia will be assigned to the Redlands Police Multiple Enforcement Team and will also assist the department’s patrol division. The Redlands Police Department is currently in the process of building a specialized vehicle equipped with a cage, air-conditioning and modified sensors which will be used to transport Duke while he is in service. In December 2008, the Redlands Police Department began its drug-sniffing K-9 program with Radar, a black Labrador mix, using only private donations. In 2012, Radar retired as a working police K-9 and the department acquired a trained 3-year-old chocolate Labrador named Kass. Kass was retired from duty in 2013 due to health issues. He still lives with his onetime partner and his family. In December 2013, the department received Chewy, a 5-year-old German shepherd trained as a narcotics odor detection dog. Redlands Police narcotics officers frequently call on the department K-9 Unit and also make him available to other local and federal agencies. The unit also provides regular service to local schools through a contract with the Redlands Unified School District. Since 2008, ongoing training, medical costs, equipment and lodging for the department’s K-9s 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.