Golf tourney to support K-9 cops program

I'LL TAKE THAT ONE- Ventura County Deputy Sheriff Gene Martinez and his K-9 colleague Ben, 6, shop at the Trader Joe's market in Westlake Village for raffle items to be sold at the Ventura Sheriff's K-9 Foundation golf tournament next week. The Ventura Sheriff 's K-9 Foundation will hold its second annual golf tournament at Sterling Hills Golf Course in Camarillo on Mon., Sept. 18.

The K-9 teams, part of the Sheriff's department for 20 years, are employed in many law enforcement duties including search

ng for lost persons, responding to

n-progress calls and felony alarm calls, and providing backup to pa

rol personnel. The K-9 teams are also useful in narcotics, building, open-air and vehicle searches.

The Canine Unit also conducts public demonstrations for dozens of citizen groups and schools.

This particular program was established in 1986 with its first canine team at the Camarillo area station. Since then the program has grown to include six teams.

The Ventura Sheriff 's K-9 Foundation purchases and main

ains each dog through public donations, at no cost to the county or communities they serve. The foundation also funds the training for new and existing canine teams so

hat they can provide support to the department.

The second annual Sheriff's K9 Golf Tournament will have a shotgun start and will include a barbecue lunch, drinks on the course and $7,500 worth of prizes. All proceeds from the day will benefit the Ventura County Sheriff's K-9 Program.

To support the program, contact Ventura Sheriff's K-9 Foundation at Ventura County Sheriff's Department, 402 S. Ventura St., Ojai, 93023. For information, call Dep. Scott Duffner at (805) 947-8149.