St. Agnes welcomes news K9 security staff member

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Since 2023, Saint Agnes’ K9 program has had K9 officer Athos sniffing out trouble around the hospital— now a new K9 officer will accompany him to keep the hospital safe.

According to officials new K9, 2-year-old Ela, and her handler Officer Noah Richardson started training together in August before making their official working debut at the Medical Center in early September.

Ela, was raised and trained in Europe before being selected as a Saint Agnes K9.

“We are thrilled to introduce these two members of our Public Safety Department,” Saint Agnes Director of Public Safety Bobby Hawkins said.

“Officer Richardson joined us in June, bringing with him five years of law enforcement experience, including three years specifically as a K9 handler.”

Officer Richardson and Ela will join the likes of Officer William Dennis and K9 Athos.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.