Members of CSUN’s police services: Cpl. Tom Finnerty (with Isy) and Ofcr. Felix Anthony Vargas (with Mitch).

From joining our military overseas to patrolling our streets with police forces, K-9 patrol dogs have become invaluable members of our law-enforcement personnel. On the CSUN campus, there are two patrolling pooches that help out the campus police — Mitch and Isy. On Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. in the second floor of the Department of Police Services (training room), you’ll be able to meet them in person.

The event, which is being sponsored by the DPS, offers an opportunity for the community to get to know Mitch and Isy and their handlers—Officer Felix Anthony Vargas and Cpl. Tom Finnerty. The officers will be on hand to talk about how they use the German Shepherds, whose noses contains about 200 million olfactory cells while a human nose has about 20 million—to help out in a variety of public safety services, from detecting explosives and narcotics to engaging in community outreach.

The event will support the department’s donation efforts toward the K-9 unit. From pups to police, these canine officers’ costs aren’t fully covered by current funding. Just in the last year, they had to retire Dozer and say goodbye to Frieda, and bring in Isy to pair with Cpl. Finnerty in September to shore up the force. Donations to help cover the costs of medical expenses and training can be made at the event, and they are also selling T-shirts that feature a German Shepherd for $10. More information is available online.

You can RSVP to the event online as well as leave a comment on the event’s Facebook post. If you are unable to attend, but would still like to make a donation, contact the Department of Police Services at (818) 677-7922.

Department of Police Services