K9 Coby Reporting for Duty

There’s a new officer on patrol in Canutillo ISD, and while he may not carry a badge on his chest, he does carry a nose for the job.

K9 Coby, a male German Shepherd, officially joined the Canutillo ISD Police Department after he and his handler, Officer Efren Pulido, passed their certification with the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association last week. 

With that milestone complete, the duo is now cleared to get to work helping keep campuses safe. And make no mistake — while Coby may win hearts with his calm demeanor, he means business.

Trained to detect narcotics and weapons, Coby will be making his rounds across campuses, adding an extra layer of safety with every step and sniff.

“This is a great addition to the dedicated Canutillo PD team and will go a long way in helping us create safe and secure environments,” said CISD Police Chief Fernando Martinez. “Coby and Officer Pulido will be a staple in every campus and I know they will do a great job in keeping drugs and guns away from our schools.”

Before arriving in Canutillo, Coby began his journey with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in El Paso, which donated him to CISD. Officials there decided that his talents made him an ideal fit for a school environment. 

Officer Pulido says that while students and staff will quickly grow fond of Coby, it’s important to remember that he’s not your average campus visitor.

“We must make sure our students and staff understand Coby is not a pet,” Pulido said. “He is here to protect and serve, and as such he must be respected and not be petted or hugged.”

In other words: plenty of admiration from a distance, but no belly rubs while on duty.

Coby follows in the pawprints of Alis, a female Belgian Malinois who faithfully served the District for seven years before retiring last year. Now, with a new partner on the force, Canutillo ISD continues its commitment to proactive safety.

Welcome to the team, Coby. 

This is a great addition to the dedicated Canutillo PD team and will go a long way in helping us create safe and secure environments. Coby and Officer Pulido will be a staple in every campus and I know they will do a great job in keeping drugs and guns away from our schools. Fernando PoliceChief of CISD Police