(KMJ) – Today, the service and bravery of American military and working dogs throughout history is celebrated.
Fresno County joined other organizations and agencies to wish a Happy K9 Veterans Day to all the law enforcement and military working dogs who have served our country.
These four-legged heroes played a vital role in helping our military Service Members and Veterans in their missions and returning home.
Military dogs have bravely served with US Army Soldiers throughout history.
They carry messages, lay telegraph wire, dig out bomb victims and act as guard or patrol dogs.
Meet K9 Koa! He is a 2 year old Dutch Shepherd. He was born May 18, 2020 and is from the Netherlands. K9 Koa came to the Fresno Police Department K9 unit in September of 2021 and he and his partner, K9 handler Ted Garcia graduated basic K9 school in December. Officer Garcia is a 17 year veteran of the Fresno Police Department and has been with the K9 unit since September of 2021. When you see Officer Garcia and K9 Koa at one of our community events, don’t be afraid to say hi, K9 Koa is one of the units most social dogs!
Fresno Police K9’s and their officers handle over 7,000 calls for service. Those include checking houses and businesses when alarm systems are set off, searching for suspects, vehicle searches for guns and narcotics, assisting on perimeter patrols and so much more!
