Hail, Superstar Cezar! San Diego Sheriff’s K-9 Unit Visits
Mountain Shadows Outreach Services |
by Sheryl Wilde The San Diego Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, with sirens blaring, was in hot pursuit of three armed suspects following a robbery at a 7-Eleven in Lakeside. It was a dogged chase, with the suspects reaching speeds of up to 130 miles per hour on the stretch of Interstate 15 from Lakeside to Riverside. The high-speed pursuit led San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies through Carmel Valley, Escondido and other communities along I-15, finally coming to an end when the bandits stopped, abandoning their BMW, and ran, attempting to flee into a shopping mall in Murrieta. When it appeared the three suspects were trying to carjack another innocent driver, San Diego Sheriff’s Office (SDSO) Deputy Avedesian released K-9 Officer, Cezar. |
As Cezar charged directly at the armed suspects, one fired a gun, striking Cezar in the leg.
Cezar was rushed to VCA Veterinary Specialists in Murrieta for emergency surgery, where, thankfully, a surgeon was able to remove all of the bullet fragments from his leg. |
Following the shooting, the three suspects were taken into custody.
“Cezar likely kept the suspect from getting away & possibly hurting others. Cezar did as he was trained. He protected his deputy handler, the public and our law enforcement partners,” the SDSO said in a Tweet. |
“We currently have four K-9 Deputies and four K-9’s,” says Nhu Le-Brown (Minu), Crime Prevention Specialist, San Marcos Patrol Station.
“Cezar is one of the superstars at the station. I bring him to every single K-9 demonstration in the community. After Cezar was operated on, he went through 9 months of rehabilitation. Luckily he made a full recovery and he’s back on full active duty.” |
According to the SDSO website, extensive training is required for both K-9 Handlers and their K-9 partners. Deputies must pass a rigorous physical fitness test because they must be able to carry and control the dog in various situations. Following completion of a 12-week academy program, Deputies and K-9s must complete 16 hours of training every month to assure they meet performance standards set forth by the North American Police Work Dog Association. They are required to complete yearly certifications as well.
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“K-9’s can be trained to specialize in finding drugs, or suspects – many different things,” adds Nhu. “Cezar is very good at sniffing out drugs. “Our K-9’s become partners, family members, to our Deputies. They live together.” During their visit to MSOS, K-9 Cezar performed an article search (see photo above).
“The Deputy hid an object, then gave Cezar a command to find it,” says Nhu. “With his superior sense of smell, Cezar picked up the scent, found the object and brought it back to the Deputy.”
Adds Flor Angel, Program Director, MSOS, “We are always looking for ways our participants can integrate with the community – and all of the participants just loved meeting the Deputies and K-9 Cezar!” |
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According to their website, the SDSO Crime Prevention Unit focuses on community outreach regarding crime prevention techniques, current trends and prevention education. The unit provides an array of free services including assisting communities in starting neighborhood and/or business watch groups. Additional SDSO services include: - Free home vacation checks, which are offered year-round to keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away.
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The free Take Me Home registry helps at-risk San Diegans get home safely, especially those living with dementia, autism, or other developmental disabilities.
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The free You Are Not Alone (YANA) program – A program which can offer peace of mind to elderly, disabled, or shut-in residents, by providing a sense of security for those who enjoy their independence but have no friends or family to check on them regularly.
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Our love and thanks go out to the San Diego Sheriff’s Office – and to Superstar K-9 Deputy, Cezar – for their generosity in visiting Mountain Shadows Outreach Services and ensuring the safety of our community.
SDSO and their K-9 teams go into harm’s way every day to protect and serve. We are grateful for their service, bravery … and kindness. |
The Mountain Shadows Foundation –
Because We CARE |
Thanks to YOUR SUPPORT, the Mountain Shadows CARE program provides recreational and social experiences to residents and participants adding meaning and richness to their lives. It’s easy for you to help us continue to provide activities like this – activities that improve the quality of our residents’ lives in fulfillment of their dreams. Here are some ways you can help ensure these crucial activities can continue for years to come: - Make a one-time donation today by clicking on the donate button below.
- Make a monthly or annual contribution.
- Leave a Legacy Gift.
To learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society, to include us in your estate plan, or to let us know if you have already designated Mountain Shadows to receive a legacy gift, please contact Mandy Huiras, Director of Development at: mhuiras@mtnshadows.org, or visit our website by clicking here:
Learn More About the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society
Please share this story with your family, friends and co-workers to help grow our Mountain Shadows Family! |
Mandy Huiras
Mountain Shadows Foundation Director of Development
Contact Mandy today to learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation and how you can continue to make a difference in the lives of our residents:
mhuiras@mtnshadows.org |
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