BLM Bakersfield Field Office welcomes new K9 officer

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office welcomes its newest addition to the Law Enforcement team. K9 Officer Barry joined the team and his partner, BLM Bakersfield Law Enforcement Ranger Matthew Pena in April.

K9 Barry is a one-year-old Belgian Malinois born in the Czech Republic. He was adopted by the BLM from the Top Dog Facilities located in Ripon California. He was assigned to Ranger Pena and the two quickly bonded as partners.

"We are very excited to welcome Barry to the team," said Tim Boles, BLM Central California District Chief Ranger. "Barry and Officer Pena will be a valuable resource to the BLM and to the local law enforcement community."

K9 Barry and Ranger Pena completed eight weeks of training in Boise, ID under trainers Chief Boles and Senior Staff Law Enforcement Ranger Chris Rice. K9 Barry certified as a patrol dog as well as in the detection of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Barry is a dual-purpose police canine certified in both narcotics' detection and police work. He will be tasked with protecting his handler, detecting the odor of illegal drugs, and assisting to locate and apprehend dangerous suspects.

Since being certified he has already detected the odor of narcotics in numerous vehicles and assisted in the apprehension of a felony subject. In his downtime, Barry loves any toy you give him, especially a Kong ball.

The Bureau of Land Management K9 program utilizes highly trained canine teams to assist rangers with law enforcement, public safety, and resource protection on public lands. These teams specialize in tracking, narcotics and explosives detection, and suspect apprehension, often participating in National Police Canine Association (NPCA) training to maintain certification.