Just days after the heartbreaking loss of K-9 police dog Sir, who was fatally shot during a standoff at Mesa College, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department is welcoming a fresh new face to its K-9 unit, a specially trained bloodhound named Albert, ready to help search for missing and at-risk individuals.
Albert joined the Sheriff's Department as a 13-week-old puppy in January 2022 and underwent over a year of rigorous training to become part of the Search and Rescue (SAR) K-9 Unit. In fact, the dedicated pup has recently completed its training, having received its badge from Sheriff Kelly A. Martinez in March 2023 after being certified earlier in February.
While the sudden passing of K-9 Sir has undeniably shaken the local law enforcement community, Albert's arrival on the scene gives the community a much-needed boost of strength and hope. Albert stands as a testament to the department's drive to push forward, helping make the communities safer one day at a time.
Sir Died Earlier This Month
Interestingly, Albert the bloodhound is named in memory of Sergeant Don Albert Parker, a 25-year veteran of the Sheriff's Department who valiantly led the unit for nine years before tragically losing his battle with brain cancer in 2018. The courageous dog honors Don's unwavering dedication and passion for Search and Rescue.
Albert's Training Day - San Diego County Sheriff's Department from San Diego County Sheriff on Vimeo.
As a member of the National Police Bloodhound Association (NPBA), Albert and his handler, SAR K-9 Unit Leader Pam Medhurst, bring a rare dynamic to the organization, which is usually comprised solely of sworn members of law enforcement. Given Pam's 24 years of volunteer service and expertise in Search and Rescue, they have both been included as the sole citizen volunteer members within the NPBA, showcasing the incredible commitment of both the K-9 unit and their handlers.
Despite the community still grappling with the pain of the fallen K-9 Sir, who was shot by a suspect during a standoff earlier this month, the addition of Albert to the unit serves as a symbol of hope and resilience for continued safety and protection.
Albert, alongside other members of the SAR K-9 Unit, undergo a rigorous five-month academy to ensure that their skills are honed to perfection and exceed the guidelines set by the state of California for search and rescue dogs. The Sheriff's Search and Rescue unit is an all-volunteer organization available 24 hours a day, responding to calls from local, state, and federal agencies for wilderness and urban rescues, as well as aiding in evacuations during natural disasters. Their invaluable contributions to the Sheriff's Department and the surrounding communities demonstrate their unwavering commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe.
In the coming days and months, as the San Diego law enforcement community continues to mourn the tragic loss of K-9 Sir and the resulting investigations unfold, which have now revealed the identity of the K-9 killer, the presence of Albert as a new emblem of hope and resilience within the department cannot be understated. After all, they say every dog has its day, and with Albert now reporting for duty, it seems like brighter days lie ahead for both the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the communities they so passionately serve.
