Golf tournament to support K-9 cops program

The Ventura Sheriff's K-9 Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps support the Ventura County Sheriff's Department K-9 program, will host its second annual golf tournament at Sterling Hills Golf Course in Camarillo on Mon., Sept. 18.

The K-9 teams, part of the department for 20 years, are employed in many law enforcement duties including searching for lost persons, responding to inprogress calls and felony alarm calls, and providing backup to patrol personnel. The K-9 teams are also useful in narcotics, building, open-air and vehicle searches.

At no cost to the community, the Canine Unit also conducts public demonstrations for dozens of citizen groups and schools. In 2003, canine teams gave demonstrations for about 4,700 people.

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 maintains 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 that they can provide support to the department.

The second annual Sheriff's K-9 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 this event or the program it serves, contact Ventura Sheriff's K-9 Foundation at Ventura County Sheriff's Department, 402 S. Ventura St., Ojai, 93023. For more information, call Dep. Scott Duffner at (805) 947-8149.