At the April 1, 2009, Board of Education meeting everybody's favorite police pup, Copper, officially retired from active duty.  Chief Bob Ratcliffe announced that at a routine medical exam, his veterinarian discovered that Copper has a heart condition.  He has been placed on medication and is doing great; however, it was determined that continuing the rigorous demands of his job would not be in the best interests for living a long and happy life.  So, it was with heart in hand (or paw) that Copper said farewell at his final public appearance.

Copper's retirement is especially bittersweet for Officer Norma Bautista, his handler for the past two years.  In addition to working together side-by-side, Copper lived with Officer Bautista and her family.  When his health issues came to light, she had a heart wrenching decision to make:  Keep Copper, who had become a loving member of her family, or adopt the new dog and continue with the FUSD K9 program.  Unfortunately, it would not be possible for her to do both.  Because she has already gone through the specialized training, she opted to stay with the FUSD K9 program.

Because Copper is a specially trained police dog, he couldn't go to just anyone after he was retired from duty.  In fact, he would need to go to another officer or - gulp - he would have to be euthanized.  More than a few tears were shed at the mere mention of such an unthinkable prospect.  Also, because Copper is technically District property, he would have to be sold.  Officer Dennis Barnett gladly came forward and purchased Copper for $1.

Said Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks, "Dennis Barnett, you are my absolute hero, because I could have never made that recommendation and I actually ordered Chief Bob out of my car when he told me about that - and we were on the railroad tracks.  I just could not do that!"  Chief Bob agreed, "It would have been easier for me to say I was going to be euthanized.  But everything has worked out for Copper.  He is going to live out his life with Officer Barnett and his family and he is going to be just fine."

Copper first joined FUSD in early 2007.  He was full of energy from the get-go - a must for a drug and weapons detection dog.  After going through a special police training program with Officer Bautista, he began visiting the schools of Fontana, for official business, as well as special safety assemblies and demonstrations.  Our District received numerous requests from other agencies for Copper to assist them on searches of residences and vehicles.  While the majority of the requests came from the Fontana Police Department, the assistance of Copper and Officer Bautista was also requested by the Sheriff's Department, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Parole Department), Redlands Police Department, and even Ontario Airport.  Throughout his career as FUSD's K9 Officer, Copper has been responsible for hundreds, if not thousands, of arrests, making our schools and our community safer. 

Since his arrival, Copper has truly belonged to the entire community of Fontana but he has had a special place in the hearts of our students.  He even got his name in a special competition among our elementary school students.  School Police Services received several hundred suggestions from the children of Fontana.  They ended up choosing Copper for a variety of reasons, including the beautiful copper coloring in his coat, the fact that once fully trainer he became a Cop(per), and that the term "cop" actually derives from the first police department established in London, England in 1829.  The citizens of London referred to the officers as "bobbies" in honor of the department's founder Sir Robert Peele and "coppers" because of the shiny copper buttons on their uniforms.  The name Copper was submitted by four students at four separate schools.

Because Copper's career was cut short due to health reasons, the company the District purchased Copper from will be supplying us with a new puppy, free of charge.  The new dog should be coming onboard within the month.  However, he will need to go through specialized training before he can begin active duty.  While he may be Copper's replacement, he can never replace Copper in our hearts.