Responsibilities
The Chowchilla Police Department has two K-9 handler teams. Officer Ken Alberton with K-9 partner Warco, and Officer Dave Burnett with K-9 partner Remy. The teams participate in ongoing training exercises at various locations. Additionally, the K-9 teams must pass an annual re-certification test.
The Police K-9 teams provide number benefits in the community including proactive response to narcotic crime problems, providing increased officer safety when facing dangerous people or situations, improving the capability to solve recently occurring crimes, and expanding the department's public visibility through community and school K-9 demonstrations.
The K-9 program receives strong financial support from local service organizations and from the citizens of Chowchilla. An annual benefit dinner sponsored by the Chowchilla Lioness Lions Club adds important outside funding for this program.