It started in the spring of 1969. At the time, State Park rangers did not have full police powers nor were they armed, and could only enforce park rules and regulations. Because the rangers were typically working by themselves at night when making enforcement contacts, the department felt that a K-9 would be a very beneficial and protective tool for the rangers.

Joe Simpson was the dog trainer chosen to provide the dog and the training for the first K-9. Simpson lived on a small ranch in Northern California and trained a limited number of law enforcement K-9s. The first California State Parks’ K-9, Sam, was originally trained as a guide dog but showed too much aggression. He was given to a family for protection, which also did not work out. This led to Sam’s career with State Parks, becoming the department’s first K-9.

In 1978, California State Parks contracted with Tyson Kennels (now Witmer-Tyson Imports) to provide pedigreed German shepherd K-9s and initial handler training for the program. Witmer-Tyson Imports has continued to provide K-9s and training to State Parks for more than 40 years. Its handler course teaches our peace officers and K-9s to work as a team. Witmer-Tyson also offers courses in narcotics and explosives detection. The German shepherd K-9s, almost all of which are imported from Europe, are trained in obedience, handler protection, tracking and searching.