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K-9 ProgramHISTORY Chief Curtis and “Berko” are the K-9 team on the left. The Cotati Police K-9 Program started with the inception of the police department in 1963. Cotati’s first Police Chief, John Curtis was the handler and owner of Berko, a German Shepherd, and as such began a long tradition of police K-9 programs in Sonoma County. Berko was frequently at the Chief’s side even when he was busy performing administrative duties such as attending City Council Meetings.
CURRENT K-9 TEAMThe department’s current and newest police K-9 is Koda, a 2 ½ year old German Shepherd from the Czech Republic. Koda was acquired by the police department in October 2008 after the unexpected death of our police K-9, “D’JANGO” on July 22, 2008. In an outpouring of generous support, individuals and businesses throughout Sonoma and Marin Counties donated the funding necessary to purchase Koda and send him to 10 weeks of training with his handler, Officer Christopher Kaupe. The Cotati Police Department K-9 Unit frequently provides demonstrations to the public. The demonstrations showcase many of the unit’s capabilities. These demonstrations, which are usually done for schools, public service organizations and other groups, can be scheduled by e-mailing Sgt. Steven Bourns at sbourns@ci.cotati.ca.us or by calling (707) 792-4611. 
FUNDRAISING – 2010/2011 FISCAL YEARThe Cotati Police K-9 program and “Koda” need your help more than ever! Due to decreasing budgets, our program must now be funded solely by the donations we receive.
Nearly all the dogs in the history of the Cotati Police Department’s K-9 program have been purchased and trained with donations thanks to the generosity of civic groups, local business owners, and individuals who realize the importance of this special program. We have a desperate need to raise funds that will used to maintain the rigorous training standards of our K-9 team. They will also be used to purchase equipment needed to perform everyday K-9 duties and to cover veterinary costs. Your donations are needed to help ensure the sustainability of the K-9 Program. All funds donated will be deposited into the Police Department’s K-9 Account and used solely to cover expenses associated with maintaining our program. Corporate and Business Sponsors are always welcome! All of your donations are Tax Deductible. Thank you in advance for your support! Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our K-9 Unit supervisor, Sergeant Steven Bourns by e-mail at sbourns@ci.cotati.ca.us or by calling (707) 792-4611.
PRIOR K-9 TEAMSChief John Curtis and “Berko” – 1963 |
Officer Kaupe has been a police K-9 handler for over eleven years, having acted as handler for a total of four K-9’s while working for two police agencies. Officer Kaupe and Koda continue a proud tradition for the Cotati Police Department as our fifth K-9 Team since 1963. Besides performing their duties on patrol for the department, Officer Kaupe and Koda are trained in tracking criminals as well as locating missing persons. They also have training in the recovery of evidence, the searching of buildings, and handler protection. Officer Kaupe and Koda are what is called a dual purpose K-9 team; having received training in narcotic detection as well has K-9 patrol related duties. Koda is trained and certified to detect the presence of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine. Besides their general and specialty patrol duties, they assist patrol officers from both the Cotati Police Department and other neighboring departments with narcotics searches, suspect searches in buildings (or when fleeing outdoors), article searches, and missing children searches.