In May 2018 a group of citizens formed a group called Coalinga PD K-9 Supporters, after Council men Adkisson mentioned in an open council meeting that he wanted to see the community support a K-9 for the police department. Over the last this grouped worked hard raising donations from citizens, business and participating just about every city event that was held. This program is and will be 100% community funded.
During the past year the police department tested for the K-9 Officer Position, Officer Francisco Ybarra was selected for the position. Officer Ybarra showed he had the ability to learn and had the drive to be a k-9 officer. Once Officer Ybarra was selected he worked very hard obtaining donations for the program. Officer Ybarra showed that he was the right person for the position when he began visiting the training g center where we are purchasing the dog from. Officer Ybarra began training with a couple of different dogs and once he met “ELI” we knew they were the perfect match.
“ELI” is a 1 year old Belgian Malinois. He is extremely friendly but knows when given the proper command it is time to go to work. My plans for the immediate future for this program is to get the officer and dog properly trained with on another and get them on the streets where they can start making a difference. Eli is a dual purpose dog, which means he will is trained in the area of narcotics detection and handler protection, ELI will also be trained to track people case someone comes up missing.
The term plan is to start a second canine unit, but until then Officer Ybarra and “ELI” will work patrol handling their calls for service and locating narcotics. ELI will also be attending community events where he will be able to show how friendly he is and where the kids can come up and pet him.