Newly-promoted Sgt. Duane Wachtelborn with Pacifica Police Chief Jim Saunders. (PHOTOS COURTESY OF MELISSA MONDRAGON, PACIFICA POLICE DEPT.)

Duane Wachtelborn, who has earned the respect of the community as one of the Pacifica Police Department's two K-9 handlers, recently was promoted to sergeant.

He will be the first sergeant in the department's history to serve both as watch commander and canine handler with his partner, Tiger. Wachtelborn took his oath of office Monday, April 28 from Police Chief Jim Saunders before family, colleagues and friends.

A native of Southern California, Wachtelborn attended Cal State Fullerton and majored in journalism. He earned an administration of justice degree in 1995 from Fullterton College Police Academy and served as a reserve officer for the West Covina Police Department.

He was hired by the Pacifica Police Department in July

Sgt. Duane Wachtelborn takes his oath off office from Pacifica Police Chief Jim Saunders.
of 1996 and was promoted to corporal in 2000. Wachtelborn became a K-9 handler in 2003 and attended SWAT training in 2004. In the wake of his promotion, he will serve as swing shift watch commander and will continue to handle calls requiring the help of his canine partner.