Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) successfully hosted a groundbreaking K9 familiarization training exercise on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. This first-of-its-kind event in California brought together approximately 30 support K9s from across the United States, offering a unique opportunity to observe these highly trained dogs in action.
The training exercises exposed the K9s to various airport environments, including security checkpoints, busy terminals, luggage screening rooms, and passenger boarding areas. This comprehensive exposure prepares the K9s to effectively navigate and operate in high-traffic and complex environments.
The event was a collaborative effort, organized through partnerships with Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Garden Grove Police Department.
“Seeing these K9 teams in action was a testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved,” said PSP Executive Director Harry Barrett, Jr. “We are proud to have been part of an event that not only enhances security but also brings together various agencies in a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.”
Handlers, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals, demonstrated how these support K9 teams play a crucial role in providing emotional and practical assistance in high-stress situations.
Three K9s, including two with Garden Grove Police Department and one with Customs and Border Protection, provided support in Uvalde, Texas, assisting victims, hospital staff, and first responders following the May 2022 school shooting. This week’s training at PSP ensures these K9 teams remain proficient and ready to travel swiftly in response to critical incidents nationwide.
“Guide Dogs of the Desert is so fortunate to be able to place Support K9s with public safety agencies,” said GDD Director of Training Michal Anna Padilla. “While GDD dogs are raised with the intent to become Guide Dogs for the visually impaired, some of our dogs decide they want a career change. To be able to move them into the Support K9 Program, in which they are working with crime victims, critical incidents and community outreach, is such a bonus for us. These dogs have gotten so much training from our puppy trainers, the puppy raisers and our training staff. For them to be able to have a career change as a Support K9 dog makes all of those involved so very proud. We think our dogs are pretty amazing and we know what they can give to those who need their services. What a great week to see what all these dogs and their handlers have accomplished.”
Initially trained by as guide dogs for the visually impaired, these K9s have transitioned to support roles for public agencies. The Support K9 program offers these driven dogs an alternative career path, providing specialized training before placing them with organizations like the US Border Patrol, police departments, and crisis response centers. Their presence positively impacts communities across the country.
“We at TSA are honored to partner with Guide Dogs of the Desert to help familiarize canines and their handlers with transiting the security checkpoint. We are very aware of the varied roles canines play in day-to-day life and anything we can do to facilitate their training is a priority for us,” said TSA Federal Security Director Jason Pantages who oversees operations at PSP. “Thank you to PSP officials for their leadership in making today a success. We look forward to seeing these canines and handlers as seasoned travelers in the near future.”
K9 teams participated from various agencies, including the Beverly Hills Police Department, Chino Police Department, Claremont Police Department, Culver City Police Department, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Glendora Police Department, Huntington Beach Fire Department, Irvine Police Department, Laguna Beach Police Department, Loma Linda Fire Department, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange Police Department, Palm Springs Police Department, Riverside County Fire Department, San Bernardino County Fire Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, and Verdugo Fire Department.onal Airport
