Bacardi, a retired K-9 from Pleasant Valley State Prison, passed away June 12, 2024.
After graduating the academy, the Investigative Service Unit K-9 served with Correctional Officer Tim Smith, making a major impact at the prison by discovering illicit contraband and assisting other institutions with contraband searches.
In 2014, Smith and Bacardi visited the Veterans Home of California in Fresno.
“Bacardi and I enjoy demonstrations, but this one is truly special because it is for the men and women who have served our country,” Smith said at the time. “This has been a very humbling experience. To hear firsthand accounts of World War II is an amazing experience that will soon be gone with time. We all need to take a moment to visit with the veterans so these memories will not be lost.”
When Smith retired, Bacardi took on a new partner in Officer S. Chan. This new team continued maintaining public safety inside CDCR institutions until Bacardi retired in 2017.
After retirement, Bacardi went to live the rest of her life with her first handler, retired Officer Smith and his family.
“Our deepest condolences are extended to the Smith and Chan families as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” according to a statement issued by Pleasant Valley State Prison.
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.
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