Murrieta Mayor Randon Lane and the Murrieta City Council honored retiring police canines Maddy and Blitz with certificates of appreciation for their service to the police department and the citizens of Murrieta Tuesday, Jan. 15.
The two canines have been credited with helping local police officers locate missing children, capturing wanted criminals, detecting explosive devices and confiscating almost 500 pounds of illegal drugs. Both canines with their handlers appeared before the council much to the pleasure of those attending, council members and staff.
Officer Sean Waterman brought in a playful, barking Blitz, to receive the honor. Yet, Blitz’s “play” has resulted in the capture of wanted criminals who found his “bite” not too playful. Both officers and visitors were asked to keep their distance from Blitz that evening because he was in a playful mood.
Blitz, a 9-year-old female Dutch Shepherd, handled by Waterman. Blitz was born in Holland and was recruited by the U.S. Navy as a SEAL team member, trained in detecting explosives. During her six and a half years of service with the Murrieta Police Department, Blitz detected and recovered more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine, 300 pounds of marijuana, 40 pounds of heroin, and 25 pounds of cocaine. She also made over 80 arrests, some of which included dangerous criminals. Blitz officially retired from the Murrieta Police Department June 15, 2015.
A much more docile and nosey 6-year-old bloodhound Maddy padded into the council chambers with her handler Officer Travis Shows. Maddy was used in a number of missing person cases and has been credited with locating children and adults with her strong sense of smell. Only one sniff of an object or piece of clothing sets Maddy off in a quick search, most often with positive results. Officer Maddy was given special recognition by the council for her tracking of a lost child over a long distance and locating others. Maddy delighted in the pets and pats given by those attending the recognition ceremony.
Both retired canine officers will be given good homes by the department. The Murrieta Police Department’s more than 80 police officers and canine unit was praised by the council for their special work in making the City of Murrieta with the second lowest crime rate in the nation.
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