[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E54]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING SANTA ROSA POLICE DEPARTMENT K9 GHOST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ghost, 
a City of Santa Rosa Police Department K9. I have named Ghost as a 
Public Safety Hero of the Year from Sonoma County in California's 4th 
District because of his extraordinary selflessness, dedication and 
service to others.
  Ghost is a 2-year-old Malinois who was born in Modesto, California 
and began his service with the Santa Rosa Police Department in 
September 2022. He lives and works with his partner, Officer Aaron 
Gonzales-Campos, along with Officer Gonzales-Campos' wife and two 
daughters. Ghost enjoys being a big brother to his two little sisters.
  In a time of rampant gun violence, Ghost serves a crucial role for 
our community. Ghost and Officer Gonzales-Campos are Sonoma County's 
first firearm detection Police K9 team. After hundreds of hours of 
training and achieving certification in January 2023, Ghost is able to 
detect odors from firearms and related objects such as ammunition. 
After identifying an odor, Ghost identifies the threat to his partner.
  In his first year and in addition to his regular duties, Ghost 
intercepted and removed eight illegal firearms from the streets of 
Santa Rosa. Just two weeks ago, he helped bust an identity theft ring 
that was also manufacturing illegal ghost guns and assault rifles. A 
proactive approach to intercepting illegal firearms is keeping Santa 
Rosa safe and reducing the risk of violent crimes.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank Ghost for his persistence, service and 
commitment to our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that 
we honor him here today.

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