Dog News, Obituaries

CDCR says farewell to K‑9 Tucker

A woman presents a folded flag to a K-9 officer.
Warden Heather Shirley presents a flag to Officer Sangha during Tucker's memorial service.

Staff and friends said farewell to CDCR K-9 Tucker in a memorial service Dec. 14.

Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) staff, along with Central Region K-9 Unit officers and the family of Tucker’s handler, H. Sangha, gathered to honor the K-9s service to the department.

Tucker lost a tough fight with cancer, passing away Nov. 28. Offering a eulogy, Investigative Services Unit (ISU) Lt. I. Leyva spoke highly of Tucker’s reputation among staff and incarcerated populations.

He recounted a time when ISU was asked to assist with searching a local community correctional facility. An incarcerated person asked, “That black dog ain’t with you guys today, is he?”

Stories shared by Leyva, Central Region K-9 Unit Sgt. Brandon Long and Warden Heather Shirley speak volumes about the work Tucker did on behalf of California.

Tucker has been credited with discovering over $4.4 million worth of contraband throughout his CDCR career.

The WSP-RC honor guard provided ceremonial honors for Tucker. Also in attendance were Marion Spearman, Associate Director of General Population-Males, and Kern Valley State Prison Warden C. Pfeiffer.

Submitted by Lt. Joshua Farley

Prison K-9 points to a box while an officer holds him by a leash.
K-9 Tucker alerts to the presence of a cell phone hidden in a box. (Published May 2022.)

Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.

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