Responsibilities
The Chowchilla Police Department has two K-9 handler teams. Sergeant Dave Burnett with K-9 partner Nelson and Sergeant Kelby Grisson with K-9 Officer Blazer. 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 several benefits in the community, including proactive response to narcotics crime problems, increased officer safety when facing dangerous people or situations, improved capability to solve recently occurring crimes, and expanded 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 the citizens of Chowchilla. An annual benefit dinner hosted by the Chowchilla Police Officers Association adds significant outside funding for this program.