KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
February 24, 2021
By Natalie Cook Clark
K9 officer units play an important role in local law enforcement agencies, and that includes in the Katy ISD Police Department.
K9 Cruz works to keep Katy students, staff, and the community safe. Photo courtesy: KISD.
Dogs Support Department in Drug Searches
Narcotics “drugs” are a present problem in school settings across the nation,” says Officer Stephanie Fulgencio, a patrol and K9 officer with Katy ISD Police. “Our job includes protecting all students from drugs and demonstrates the severity and consequences of possessing drugs on campus.”
The Katy ISD Police Department was established in December 1988 and covers 181 square miles of territory within the Katy ISD boundaries. The fully operational law enforcement agency is dedicated to leading the safety of the Katy ISD students, faculty, and staff.
Katy ISD Police Have Two K9 Officers
The Katy ISD Police Department currently has two police dogs in their K9 unit. Both dogs are narcotics certified and focus on detecting and keeping drugs out of Katy schools.
“Our primary responsibility is the proactive patrol and deployment of the dog to detect and minimize the presence of narcotics on our campuses and at District functions,” says Officer Donald Meisenheimer, the Katy ISD Police Department K9 handler and instructor.
K9 Juno with Officer Meisenheimer. Photo courtesy: KISD
“Narcotics present a safety risk to students, staff and the community,” says Officer Meisenheimer. “The use of these dogs to help deter criminal behavior keeps our students, staff and community safer for everyone.”
The dogs use their noses to sniff out the dangerous drugs. They inspect vehicles, property, and classrooms to keep the Katy community safe.
“Many students are introduced to unknown drugs on campus and we try to eliminate them,” says Officer Fulgencio.
Students regularly see the K9 officers as they patrol the various Katy campuses. Members of the community can also see them out at sporting events and other Katy ISD community functions.
Meet the Dogs
Who are these police dogs that keep Katy safe? Get to know them here.
Officer Cruz
Age: 5-years-old
Breed: German Shepherd from Hungary
Job: Narcotics certified
Officer Cruz is partnered with Officer Fulgencio.
“He likes the Cheese Wiz at the vet clinic and will lay on his back to tell you he wants cuddles and belly rubs,” says Officer Fulgencio.
Officer Juno
Age: 7-years-old
Breed: Black Labrador
Job: Narcotics certified
Officer Juno lives with his handler, Officer Meisenheimer.
“She is part of our family,” says Officer Meisenheimer. “She travels with us and loves to go camping.”
Both Officers Cruz and Juno work hard keeping students safe. From detecting commonly known drugs to detecting new threats, they are an important part of the Katy ISD Police Department and treated like any other uniformed officer.