Pooch on patrol

Chico police have a new set of paws on the patrol beat. Pax, a 19-month-old Belgian Malinois, and his handler, Brandon Joseph, graduated a five-week K9 training course together on Nov. 13 and are ready for action.

Pax joined the force thanks to longtime Chicoan Virginia Jordan, who upon her death in 2013 at the age of 102, left $45,000 to the department “for the exclusive purpose of purchasing, training and caring for police dogs,” according to a Chico Police Department press release. The bequest was accepted by the Chico City Council in February, and Joseph was then selected to fill a vacant K9 handler position.

Pax is certified for patrol and narcotics detection.