Upland honors K‑9 Rudy after eight-and-a-half years of service

The Upland City Council honored K‑9 Rudy on March 24 as he retires after roughly eight and a half years with the Upland Police Department. Mayor Velto and department leaders presented Rudy with a retirement badge and remarks recognizing his operational and community service.

Chief representatives and handler Corporal Quinn Hanley highlighted Rudy’s record during the ceremony. According to remarks at the dais, Rudy started service in August 2016, is about 10 years old, and responded to approximately 11,000 calls for service during his career. City remarks credited Rudy with roughly 28 felony apprehensions, 109 incidents where his presence led suspects to surrender, and assisting in about 166 narcotics-related arrests in Upland. Presenters said Rudy aided in regional operations, including assistance as far away as New York state, and was part of 44 SWAT missions while integrated with regional teams.

Officials also noted several other results attributed to Rudy’s work: the recovery of more than 89,000 grams of narcotics and reported cash seizures described as in excess of $1.3 million. The animal also participated in community events, including Citizens Academy, National Night Out and school visits, and won multiple canine competition awards.

Representatives from County Supervisor offices offered brief remarks and a small gift. Corporal Quinn Hanley will continue as a canine handler; another department officer (Detective Alvaran) was noted as taking on a senior canine officer/trainer role to oversee the remaining department canine, Petey.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of a retirement badge reading “K‑9 Officer, Upland Police, Retired” and photographs with council members and department staff.

Sources and provenance: remarks by Mayor Velto, Upland Police Department representatives and supervisor office staff at the March 24 meeting.