On Sierra Vista Police Department Officer Joanna Durham’s first shift with her new K9 partner Jucon in March, the pair didn’t even make it to the station before being diverted to a call. It ended up being the first of three drug busts as Jucon helped seize nearly 100 grams of methamphetamine over the course of a 12-hour shift on his first day on the job!

Not every day on patrol is like that, in fact over five years on patrol with SVPD no two days have been the same for Durham. “It’s always changing. You get to help people and you get to do fun stuff. I enjoy my job,” Durham says.

And Jucon has only made it better. A single-purpose K9 focused on sniffing out drugs other than marijuana, Jucon came on board when the department’s previous K9 retired to stay home with his officer due to the legalization of marijuana. It didn’t take any convincing for Durham to work with a K9.

“It was on the bucket list,” she says. And Jucon is already part of the family, loving playtime with the kids and walks around the neighborhood. “It’s like bringing the good part of your work home. He’s a doll,” Durham says. She’s already making plans to keep Jucon as part of the family when he retires.

Working with a K9 is just one of many specializations and opportunities available at the Sierra Vista Police Department. Durham appreciates how the department always has their back, providing the support needed to ensure its officers can do their jobs effectively.

“It’s a great place to work. I don’t think I’d transfer anywhere else,” Durham says. It’s not a slow, small department but it’s also not so big that officers lose connection with the community. And Sierra Vista is such a supportive community. Durham appreciates being able to do outreach and help citizens with the small stuff like changing a tire.

“That can make someone’s day,” she says.

Are you interested in a fulfilling career with a department and community that always has your back? SVPD is hiring police officers now. Learn more. Contact SVPD Recruiter Lilly Perry at (520) 452-7500 for assistance.