5/26/2008
Atherwood Elementary School Receives a Visit from Officer Allegra and Rocco

On May 19th the 4th 6th grade students at Atherwood Elementary School had a surprise visitorOfficer Vince Allegra and K-9 Dog Rocco. Officer Allegra told the students how a K-9 dog is trained, how Rocco searches for missing children, bad guys, and drugs.

Rocco is fairly new to the Simi Valley Police Department. Rocco and Officer Allegra are partners. You will never find Rocco with another police officer. In order for Rocco to search for people and items, he needs to know the smell of his partner. They also drive in a special police car, just for K-9s. The car has a sensor to tell Officer Allegra if the vehicle gets too hot for Rocco when Rocco is alone in the car and has a remote control to allow Officer Allegra to open the doors and windows if he needs Rocco to assist him.

Officer Allegra showed the students the long leash Rocco uses when entering a building, how they use a muzzle to train him and about his treats for good work. Both Officer Allegra and Rocco wear bullet proof vests.

All the students had fun and want to thank Officer Allegra and Rocco for the visit. They had a great time learning about K-9's and seeing you and Rooco in action.

Also, a special thank you to Allan Mann, whos son is in 5th Grade, for arranging the K-9 Demonstration. The K-9 Demonstration was purchased at the Simi Valley Police Foundation Golf Tournament. The Simi Valley Police Foundations helps to fund the K-9's.