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California: Paws on patrol: Governor Newsom announces six newly graduated K-9 teams to join CHP

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Jul 10, 2026

Paws on patrol: Governor Newsom announces six newly graduated K-9 teams to join CHP

This graduating class includes CHP's first-ever Springer Spaniel canine team

What you need to know: With the completion of extensive training, Governor Newsom announces new paws in blue as six newly graduated canine officers, including the CHP's first-ever Springer Spaniel. The teams are trained to detect narcotics and explosives and are ready to serve Californians and combat crime.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Newsom today announced the graduation of six new canine teams who have officially joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) after completing hundreds of hours of specialized training. The graduation ceremony was held today in West Sacramento, where the canine officers spent months preparing to improve public safety and serve Californians.

Back row, from left: Officer Casey McCarthy with K-9 Vader, Officer Nick Layton with K-9 Lincoln, and Officer Casey Wheeler with K-9 Joker. Middle row: Officer Matt Chevalier with K-9 Rex and Officer Scott Baker with K-9 Lucy. In front, Officer Ethan Hale with K-9 Trooper.

These six new canine graduates are hitting the ground running — trained, ready, and prepared to help protect communities across California. These K-9 teams bring specialized skills that strengthen CHP's work every day, from detecting threats to supporting critical public safety operations across the state. And with CHP's first-ever Springer Spaniel, California is showing what public safety looks like when we lead with dedication and purpose.

Governor Gavin Newsom

"These canine teams represent the next generation of the CHP's specialized public safety resources," said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. "While each handler brings years of experience, today marks the start of new partnerships built on trust, discipline and rigorous training. Together, these teams will serve communities across California with skill, professionalism and unwavering dedication."

Lincoln, CHP's first-ever Springer Spaniel

Ready to answer the call

The graduating class includes two Belgian Malinois (Lucy and Vader), two Dutch Shepherds (Joker and Trooper), one German Shepherd (Rex), and, for the first time in CHP history, one Springer Spaniel (Lincoln).

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The class consists of:
  • Three Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canine (PNDC) teams
  • One Patrol and Explosives Detection Canine (PEDC) team
  • One Explosives Detection Canine (EDC) team
  • One Narcotics Detection Canine (NDC) team

Each handler is an experienced CHP officer with three to 20 years of service. Depending on their assignment, the teams completed between 240 and 600 hours of specialized training together to build the skills and trust needed for their mission.

Sniffing out crime

CHP canine teams play a critical role in combating drug trafficking, illegal firearms, and explosives across California.

In 2025, CHP narcotics-detection canine teams conducted nearly 1,700 enforcement searches, resulting in the seizure of more than 21,170 pounds of illegal narcotics — including marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin — and more than $12.2 million in illicit currency.

During the same period, CHP patrol explosives-detection canine teams conducted more than 7,000 explosives-detection searches, resulting in the seizure of ammunition, rifles, shotguns, handguns, and improvised explosive devices.

"The results speak for themselves," Commissioner Duryee added. "Our canine teams help remove dangerous drugs, illegal weapons and explosives from California's communities every day. Their specialized capabilities enhance officer safety and provide an invaluable tool for protecting the public."

Officer Wheeler and the newly graduated K-9 Joker.

Growing the pack

After today's graduation, CHP has a total of 54 canine teams deployed across the state, including:
  • 39 Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canine teams
  • Eight Patrol and Explosives Detection Canine teams
  • Two Narcotics Detection Canine teams
  • Five Explosives Detection Canine teams

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

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