Drug Detection K-9, Comfort Dog Join San Rafael Police Department

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Two new four-legged team members have joined the ranks of the San Rafael Police Department.

A narcotics detection and apprehension K-9 named Jesko and a comfort dog named Blue Bayou will be officially welcomed to the department Monday during a ceremony at the San Rafael City Council meeting.

Jesko, a 20-month-old German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix from Guadalajara, Mexico, is eager to get to work, police said.

"K-9 Jesko loves going on walks and hanging out in the backyard but mostly he loves to work," police said. "Nothing gets Jesko more excited than getting in the back of the patrol car to come to work."

Blue, a 2-1/2-year old Labrador and Golden Retriever mix will be the department's first comfort dog. Blue was working in Salem, Oregon, but has retired as a guide dog for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

He will do outreach on the street with mental health outreach liaison Lynn Murphy and also provide stress relief in the communications center to members of the department.

"The communications center has been very popular since Blue's arrival," police said. "Please say 'hello' to Blue when you see him working in San Rafael."

The welcoming ceremony is at 7 p.m. at the City Council chambers at City Hall, 1400 Fifth Ave.