There’s a special kind of partnership that happens on the streets of Atascadero, one that doesn’t involve a radio or a badge, but a harness and a wagging tail. The Atascadero Police Department’s K9 Unit has been one of the most powerful public safety tools in our city for years, and thanks to the unwavering support of this community, it keeps getting stronger.
Today, we want to tell you the full story, where the K9 program came from, how it’s grown, and what it means for Atascadero that it now has a permanent home under the Atascadero Police Foundation. Today, we’re proud to introduce our two incredible canines, Maverick and Pomic, and share how you can help keep this vital program strong.
A Program Build on Community Support
Since 1998, the Atascadero Police K9 program has been a labor of love between law enforcement and the people they serve. The Atascadero Police Association championed this program for years, rallying the community to fund the purchase and training of each canine team. That commitment made something clear that is still true today: Atascadero’s K9 officers aren’t just police tools, they’re community investments.
Each K9 represents more than $20,000 in purchase and training costs. The City of Atascadero covers the basics, food, veterinary care, but it’s the generosity of local residents and San Luis Obispo County businesses that puts these dogs on the street and keeps them mission-ready. Every K9 that has ever served this department has done so because this community said yes.
Now, that tradition of community support continues under the Atascadero Police Foundation. As the APF has grown into the primary nonprofit partner for the Atascadero Police Department, the K9 program has found a natural and permanent home, one with the structure, reach, and resources to ensure these teams are funded and supported for years to come.
What the K9 Unit Actually Does
The K9 Unit exists for one core reason: to keep officers and community members safer in dangerous, unpredictable situations. By deploying highly trained canine teams where human officers would face the greatest risk, the department reduces hazard exposure and improves outcomes across the board.
When fully staffed, the unit operates under a supervising sergeant and includes two officer-handler teams, capable of:
- Suspect apprehension
- Building searches
- Handler protection
- Article searches
- Area searches
- Advanced obedience
This isn’t a one-time certification and done. Every K9 team completes an intensive 200+ hour training program before ever going on duty. After that, they train a minimum of 20 hours per month and attend intensive, day-long sessions at the Inglis Police Dog Training Academy at least twice a month, with additional specialized training throughout the year.
Annual recertification ensures that every team meets the highest standards of readiness, every single year. These are elite athletes with four legs, and they train like it.
Meet the Dogs Protecting A-Town Right Now
K9 Pomic – The Veteran
A German shepherd born in Germany on October 3, 2019, Pomic joined the Atascadero Police Department in September 2022, becoming the 11th K9 in department history. He’s partnered with Officer Hernandez and specializes in hard surface tracking, a critical capability for locating individuals in urban environments where traditional tracking becomes difficult. At five years old, Pomic still brings the same high-drive energy and focus that made him exceptional on day one. Don’t let the playful personality fool you, when it’s time to work, Pomic is all business.
At the end of the day, Pomic is more than just a police K9, he’s a dedicated partner and protector. Whether he’s working a track, training with intensity, or greeting the community with a wagging tail, Pomic truly embodies what it means to serve.
As Officer Hernandez puts it best, ” Pomic is a lover, a tracker, and a protector, and he absolutely loves his job.”
K9 Maverick- The Rising Star
Born March 21, 2022, also in Germany, Maverick is the department’s 12th K9, joining in June 2024. Alongside his partner Officer Goudy, he’s a dual-purpose canine, trained in both patrol operations and narcotics detection, certified to detect methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and ecstasy, making him one of the most versatile members of the department. Maverick is a distinct all black German shepherd who began his sport and obedience training young, and it shows. He brings precision, reliability, and a natural instinct for the work to every call.
Despite his strong work ethic, Maverick has a playful and affectionate side that often surprises people. He enjoys meeting new people and is especially fond of getting back scratches and attention from community members. His friendly personality makes him a natural at public events, where he often steals the spotlight.
Reflecting on their partnership, Officer Goudy notes how quickly their bond developed and how much he enjoys working alongside his K9 partner.
“Maverick is a ton of fun, and I love working with him,” he says.
Together, Pomic and Maverick represent the next chapter of a program that has quietly made Atascadero safer for decades.
How You Can Help
Supporting Atascadero’s K9 heroes is one of the most direct ways you can invest in public safety right here in our city. Whether you give $25 or $2,500, your contribution helps ensure that Pomic, Maverick, and the K9 officers who come after them have everything they need to protect and serve.
Visit www.atascaderopolicefoundation.org/donate to make a donation to the K9 program today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the program, meet our dogs, and see the work your generosity makes possible.
Atascadero’s K9 heroes show up every single shift ready to protect this community. Let’s make sure we show up for them.
Ways to Support:
- Donate Online – Every dollar helps provide training, gear, and care for our K9s.
- Spread the Word – Share this post and encourage friends and family to support the program. Keep an eye out for fundraiser events and everyone’s favorite, K9 demonstrations.
- Corporate Sponsorships – Businesses can make a lasting impact by sponsoring the K9 Unit.
Your generosity directly impacts the safety of Atascadero and helps keep these incredible dogs on the job.
Maverick and Pomic aren’t just working dogs, they’re heroes with paws. Their courage, skill, and loyalty make Atascadero safer every day.
Thank you for supporting the K9 Unit and helping us continue this vital program.
