The Pasadena Police Department has a new canine handler, Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez said Sunday.
Officer Lynda Mercado is the department’s first female canine handler and a 19-year veteran. She has worked a variety of assignments including Uniform Patrol, Field Training Officer (FTO); Special Investigation Unit (SIU); Event Planning; and the Burglary Task Force (BTF).
Mercado’s canine partner, Kyra, is a three-year old Dutch Shepherd and is dual-trained for both patrol functions and explosives detection.
In his announcement Chief Sanchez recognized the generosity of the Pasadena Police Foundation, which raised funds necessary to purchase Kyra, a K9 vehicle, and related equipment.