Chili's Customers, Staff Aid Redlands Police Drug-Sniffing K9 Fundraiser

A fundraiser for the Redlands Police drug-sniffing canine program Thursday at Chili's was a success for law enforcement and for the business.

Bruce Smith, general manager of the restaurant on Alabama Street, said it was busier than a typical Thursday, so busy he had little time to be interviewed as he helped out cooking in the bustling kitchen.

"It's due to us doing the fundraiser for the K9 unit here in Redlands, bringing a lot of people out," Smith said during a brief break outside the establishment.

"We do this a lot for any charitable organization in the community," Smith said. "They can come and do a give-back with us, so it's our way we can partner with different organizations and help them with their goals, and they can help us with our goals."

Officer Dan Figgins said it was the last official day on K9 duty for he and Radar, a black Labrador mix, who retired Thursday.

They're making way for Kass, a 3-year-old chocolate Labrador, and Kass' handler, who greeted customers warmly.

Both Redlands Police officers said they were gratified with the turnout. Chili's donated 15 percent of sales Thursday to the K9 drug-sniffing program.

The fundraiser was held 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday June 14 at the Chili's at 10020 Alabama Street.

The Redlands Police Department started its drug-sniffing canine program in December 2008 with using only private donations, Redlands spokesman Carl Baker said last week. The program continues to rely on donations.

Anyone who missed the event can support the Redlands K9 drug-sniffing program through donations direct to the City of Redlands, attention Police Canine Fund, tax ID number 95-6000766.

For more information about the program, contact Figgins at dfiggins@redlandspolice.org.