K-9s are trained to find and detain suspects in serious crimes, and to protect their human partner from physical attack. Many game wardens work in remote areas where law enforcement backup is rare. Statistics show that work as a game warden is extremely hazardous. In fact, wardens suffer nine times more assaults than other law enforcement officers. A K-9 partner offers a major deterrent to physical assault.
Training is an everyday activity.
Agility, obedience, detection, evidence searching, tracking, apprehension and protection are but a few of the skills that require constant reinforcement. DFG K-9s are used primarily in their own areas by their handlers, but the teams are available to assist game wardens throughout the State. The teams can also be called into service on a mutual aid basis to assist other law enforcement agencies. A dream came true when he was hired as the Indio game warden in 1982. He later transferred to Yuba City and then to the Bishop district in 1990.