CHAMBLEE, Ga. — A metro Atlanta city announced it is beginning a new program within its police department.

Following a vote, the City of Chamblee has approved adding a new officer to the police department: a K-9 unit.

According to Chamblee Interim Police Chief Gary Yandura, the program will help provide more safety and efficiency to the department, as well as work as an outreach resource for school children.

Chamblee officials said the department has requested assistance from K-9 units for investigations 70 times since 2022.

A goal of the new K-9 program is to “aid in field operations, evidence, locating criminals, drugs, missing persons, and for community outreach.”

Helping to kick the program off is Officer David Luna-Rodriguez.

Luna-Rodriguez has been an officer in the Chamblee Police Department since March, and officials say he’s been training canines since 2008.

When the Lithonia Police Department lost a K-9 officer, officials said Luna-Rodriguez “was instrumental in training and donating a canine” to them to cover the loss.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I begin my journey in the K-9 program,” Luna-Rodriguez said in a statement. “I am thankful for the trainers, mentors, and fellow handlers who have paved the way for me and shared their knowledge and expertise.”

Luna-Rodriguez added, “K-9 Robin and I are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support. We are excited to be a part of such a great community as we continue to bridge the gap between law enforcement and our communities. We look forward to seeing what the future holds with the Chamblee Police Department.”

Luna-Rodriguez is Robin’s owner and trainer. Robin is a Belgian Malinois and he and Luna-Rodriguez have been together for two years. He’s also been certified by the South Georgia K-9 Academy, and Robin is a certified narcotic detector dog from the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association.

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