The 26th Redondo Beach K-9 trials can no longer be called “annual” after the announcement that due to budgetary constraints this year’s event will be cancelled.
“We look forward to it very much,” said Lieutenant Todd Heywood. “Because of the economy the way that it is… people are scrutinizing the way city and state governments are utilizing their funds, so we just weren’t getting the interest in the previous years.”
In years past, the K-9 trials were attended by upwards of 25 local agencies, and the events were attended by more than 2,000 people. The event, put on by the donations-driven Redondo Beach K-9 department, also helped the department raise money for their programs, including funds raised to help pay for canine medical expenses. Former K-9 officer Ken Greenleaf said that in previous years the department raised $2,000 to $7,000 through the event by selling t-shirts, snacks and German Shepherd stuffed animals.
“A lot of agencies just can’t afford to send their guys and put them up in a hotel,” K-9 Officer Corey King said. “It’s easier to just hold off this year and look at re-addressing it next year.”
The K-9 trials brought different agencies together and allowed them to compete in different drills used in the field. It also allowed the police to showcase their K-9 department to the community. The RBPD K-9 unit currently has three officers and three German Shepherd dogs; Dak, Ruger and the newest member, Blitz.
“It’s the closest thing you can do to work your dog as though you’re in the street,” said Greenleaf. “The community loves it.”
For Greenleaf, the event was more about public relations than competition. “These dogs aren’t big vicious dogs like a lot of people portray them to be. It’s just a fun time.”
“It’s full of good training opportunities,” said Heywood. “Every time trainees go out and train dogs to perform it also trains them to perform in field.”
Even though the Redondo Beach K-9’s will not be showing their skills at the K-9 trials this year, they will be at the Riviera Village Summer Festival on June 23 and 24. They will showcase the dogs’ abilities and also sell t-shirts and toys to help raise money for the K-9 fund. They also make appearances at schools and upon request for community groups throughout the year.
“I’m hoping they bring it back next year,” said Greenleaf. “But we’ll see.” ER
