“Sultan saved my life and several other officers’ lives that day,” an emotional Deputy Mark Wallace said.

Sultan was killed when he went into a crawlspace on Jan. 21 after an armed and wanted felon.

That felon was 36-year-old Todd Hodge, who shot Sultan in the neck when he entered the crawlspace after him. Hodge was killed by sheriff’s deputies after a 9-hour standoff when he emerged from a home with a gun.

The K-9 died on the way to the animal hospital. Before the Riverside, California, memorial, Deputy Mark Wallace, Sultan’s former handler, was escorted across San Jacinto with Sultan’s ashes.

Thousands of students from eight San Jacinto Unified School District campuses lined the fences as they drove by.

“What happened to him was a true tragedy,” one student told KESQ.

Sultan began his K-9 patrol in November 2013.

“Four-legged, two-legged, they’re all here for service for us,” resident Debra Harvey said.

During Wallace’s speech at the memorial, he tearfully said Sultan wasn’t mankind’s best friend, but his.

The post Thousands mourn loss of California police dog appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

K-9 Yanik to Serve San Jacinto Police

Yanik, a 2-year-old Belgium Malinois, is San Jacinto Police’s newest K-9.

San Jacinto Corporal Jeff Hurd introduced his four-legged partner to the community, Tuesday February 4.  Yanik has been actively patrolling the streets for the last 4 ½ months, gaining experience and in that time has made about 35 surrenders.

Yanik has his own bullet-proof and stab-proof vest that was paid for through community donations. He is patrol certified in bite work and the detection of guns and humans.

A community member asks, “does he bite?” “He’s very friendly . . . until it’s time not to be,” says Hurd.

Deputy Bronson Graham promoted to task force

Riverside County Deputy Sherriff, Bronson Graham was recognized for his duties in serving the San Jacinto area and in being part of local Problem-Oriented Policing (POP) team: last year Graham made more 550 arrests related to narcotics, firearms, stolen property and drugs.  

Graham’s recognition comes with a promotion, but the talented, dedicated officer will not be leaving the San Jacinto area entirely; he will continue to serve in a different capacity as he’ll be joining a task force that not only serves San Jacinto, but also Hemet, Murrieta, Beaumont and Lake Elsinore area.  “I really appreciate the opportunity that was given to me by the station, the department and the city, so thank you very much,” says Graham.

Council says farewell to Planning Commissioner Leslie Moore

Council took time to honor and recognize Leslie Moore’s time as Planning Commissioner of San Jacinto, a position she took on in February of 2018. Moore plans to remain focused on and continue to be a part of the betterment of the community.  “Thank you for all your service and the time you’ve spent for the city and all its residents . . . you’ve helped our city move forward through many challenges,” said Mayor Andrew Kotyuk.

Moore is planning to stay connected to the city and work through a firm in which she will take part in community outreach efforts to reduce criminal recidivism and childhood trauma. “Thank you so much for the opportunity,” says Moore. “It was a pleasure to serve. We are here locally and look forward to getting involved with the community even more.”

The city of San Jacinto is currently seeking citizens interested in serving on the city’s commission board. Applications can be found at www.sanjacintoca.gov

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