Reader Report: Assistance League takes pride in support for Laguna’s police dog

One of the latest charitable causes for the Assistance League of Laguna Beach is Ranger, a police dog acquired by Laguna’s department in October.

Ranger is the city’s first police dog in 10 years. The Assistance League has committed monthly payments totaling $10,000 for the first year of Ranger’s care and training.

Ranger is a Belgian Malinois from Holland, born July 1, 2012. His responsibilities are apprehension of criminals and narcotics detection, but his training is ongoing to meet a variety of scenarios.

Assistance League members were introduced to Ranger and his handler, Officer Zachary Fillers, at the group’s April 13 meeting. Ranger, named in honor of Jon Coutchie, a Laguna Beach police officer and former Army Ranger killed in the line of duty in September 2013, sleeps in a kennel outside Filler’s house. He spends his free time playing with his colleague in the house and yard.

Ranger goes to work with Filler every day. There he interacts with the other officers and goes out on multiple calls each shift. He also makes visits to elementary schools and has proved to be good with kids.

Wednesdays are training days for Ranger, who works with two police dogs from Newport Beach and two from Irvine. Once a month he gets training from Alderhorst International in Riverside County, run by David Reaver, who specializes in police dog training.

The Assistance League’s support of Ranger will be up for renewal each year.

MARGOT ROSENBERG is a Laguna Beach resident and member of the Assistance League.