LOCAL NEWS

CCPD receives donations for new K-9 officer

Natalia E Contreras
Corpus Christi Caller-Times

The Corpus Christi Police Department K-9 Unit said goodbye to their partner Kimbo last year — but thanks to a donation they'll welcome a new partner in a few weeks.

The Corpus Christi Police Foundation along with contributions from an anonymous donor, the Corpus Christi Citizen's Police Academy Alumni and the Vishal Raju Bhagat Foundation, made the donation.

The donation was about $17,000, Corpus Christi Police Foundation executive director Cissy Garcia said.

"These K-9 officers are truly an invaluable part of the police department and having them pays off in the community," Garcia said. "(The Corpus Christi Police Foundation) is dedicated to the safety of the community and to provide officers with the resources the city cannot provide."

The department has four dogs, including Tanja and Quina in narcotics, bite dog Indy, and bomb and patrol dog Tlvingo.

Scott and Kim Parker meet Kimbo, a K-9 dog with the Corpus Christi Police Department, on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Cole Park. The Parkers are members of the 10-7 K9 Association, which has recently expanded into South Texas. The goals of the organization are to provide K-9 dogs with anything they may need.

Kimbo, who was a bite dog, retired along with Senior Officer John McGinley in October, Lt. Chris Hooper said. Bite dogs are used to subdue aggressive or fleeing suspects.

Garcia said the new K-9 officer will arrive at the police department in about seven weeks.

Related: Organization aims to help K9-Unit, keep them safe