Josh Harder: “Today, I rise to honor National Police Week and recognize our dedicated law enforcement officers in San Joaquin County.…”

“Today, I rise to honor National Police Week and recognize our dedicated law enforcement officers in San Joaquin County. On behalf of all our families, I thank them. I also want to take this opportunity to bring attention to and honor a vital part of our law enforcement departments: our canine officers and their dogs. Canine teams go into some of the most dangerous situations, and their work quite simply saves lives. My community has seen this bravery firsthand. On February 19, 2023, after 6 years of service, we sadly lost Duke, a police canine for the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department. While apprehending an armed and dangerous suspect, Duke was killed in the line of duty. Duke's actions likely saved the life of one of our sheriff's deputies. This past weekend, Duke was remembered alongside 25 other police canines that gave their lives in the line of duty last year, a worthy ceremony for a brave pup. I thank all of our canine trainers and officers for the hard work they do. Families in San Joaquin County and across the country are safer because of their dedication. We are eternally grateful. ____________________”