A Police Officer’s Best Friend

The San Diego Police Department’s K9 Units work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout our entire city. And thanks to the San Diego Police Foundation and supporters like Barbie and Dan Spinazzola, our K9 Units have been recognized as one of the best teams in the country.

10 Things About Barbie Spinazzola & the San Diego Police Foundation

#1 I grew up in a very small town, Bristol, Virginia. Our downtown State Street – divides Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee.

#2 “Think Positive” – my Dad wrote this phrase on the mirrors in our rooms while we were growing up.

#3 My Mom was very involved in the 3 charity organizations in our town and Dad was very active in civic organizations and non-profits. Both were great role models.

#4 My husband, Dan, and I co-chaired the Gold Shield Gala once and then chaired it the next 2 consecutive years.

#5 The incredible service our police officers provide to every one of us on a daily basis by going out onto the streets to serve and protect us and our families from harm and peril makes me feel so blessed to live in San Diego and to be a part of the Gold Shield Gala.

#6 The charitable focus for our Gala is our beloved police dogs. These “K9 Crimefighters” often defuse potentially violent confrontations as well as solve crimes by sniffing out suspects, weapons, and evidence. Our aim is to make sure our men and women in blue (including our police dogs) have what they need to do their jobs safely and with excellence.

#7 The heartfelt speeches given by those closest to this event have made lasting impressions on me – all of whom know first hand the critical need of raising additional funding above and beyond our hard earned tax dollars.

#8 Late one night, a young couple heard someone in their garage. When the patrol unit arrived, a man burst onto the driveway waving a sharp object and ran down the street. Police service dog Cowboy outran the man and brought him to the ground. That young couple did not know it at the time but the wife was pregnant and now they look at their little girl and realize police service dog Cowboy is her hero too.

#9 For 15 years, every police dog serving with SDPD’s K9 Unit has been funded by community donations. The Police Foundation funds equipment like bullet proof plate carrier vests to keep officers safe and programs like SafetyNet® that teach kids how to stay safe online.

#10 At the Police Foundation, Every Dime Fights Crime. A gift of any size is warmly welcomed. Community members can also help by thanking a police officer for what they do to keep us safe.