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Richland welcomes new officers and K9 Cody; Police Foundation presents welcome gifts
Summary
Chief Pilcher introduced several newly hired Richland police officers and K9 Cody, noting regional cooperation in training; the Richland Police Foundation presented welcome baskets and thanked officers for their service.
Chief Pilcher introduced a cohort of newly hired officers and K9 Cody during the June 16 council meeting. Officer Matthew Smith and his K9 partner Cody — a two‑year‑old Belgian Malinois raised and selected for his high drive and sociable demeanor — were presented to council along with biographical introductions for several new officers who graduated from the academy earlier that day.
Chief Pilcher described regional cooperation in assembling and selecting K9 teams and credited the Pasco Police Department for sharing expertise. He also introduced new officers individually, including Darius Bunch (West Liberty University alumnus and collegiate wrestler), Leo Gallardo (Air Force Reserve veteran), Clayton Rice (U.S. Marine Corps veteran), Jay Iowama (Kennewick native and corrections experience), Mason Martinelli and Cassie Martinez (formerly with West Richland Police Department). Chief noted the role families play when K9s live with handlers.
Christine Ortega, president of the Richland Police Foundation, welcomed the officers on behalf of the foundation and announced welcome baskets donated by local businesses to be distributed in the lobby as tokens of community support.
Council members offered congratulations and welcomed the new officers and K9 to Richland.
