For our cover story this issue we went behind the scenes of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department and Visalia Police Department’s K9 units to find out how man’s best friends fit into the world of public safety and why they’re such an asset to their department and the handlers they work (and live) with every day. Although our “models” were technically on duty during the story’s various photo shoots, it was apparent that a day in the life of a K9 officer isn’t all work and no play. Though attentive and alert at their handler’s side while working, each break in the action is cause for a quick “atta boy” exchange between partners: pat down by the handler and several slobbery kisses from the pooch.

For the cover, we headed out to Mooney Grove early on a Saturday morning in January for a TCSD K9 training event, where units demonstrated a variety of exercises that keep both K9 and handler in sync with one another. Throughout the day, the teams went through a series of obedience training exercises and performed several search drills as part of a routine that keeps both dog and handler in peak condition.

For another shoot, we battled the 7 a.m. fog at a drill with the VPD K9 unit. Dogs and handlers performed similar training exercises, but due to thick fog, we were unable to capture much of it on camera. As a result, we reconvened a few nights later in an alley downtown, where photographer David Swann was able to get a spectacular shot of the unit in action. David’s wife Sue added a new dimension to the shot, as you will see in this issue’s centerfold on page 24.

Talent: On the Cover: Officer Anthony Rodriguez and Rexx; Centerfold: Visalia Police Department K9 Unit (left to right) Agent Mark Lyon and Alex; Officer Clay Moffett and Bosco; Officer Jason Feierbach and Timber; Officer Ryan Lasalde and Mack; Officer Gerrit DeJong and Samson.