The newest member of the Oro Valley Police Department’s K-9 unit received a hearty “welcome aboard” at the Feb. 20 meeting of the town’s mayor and council. The arrival of Canine Diesel brings the unit up to full strength following the November retirement of a longtime department mainstay.
Diesel joined the force as a gift from Lisa Bayless, a real estate sales pro with Long Realty’s Oro Valley office. Bayless said Diesel’s acquisition is actually a sort of community effort: She’ll fund the $12,000 purchase price by donating a portion of her commissions from the sale of Oro Valley properties she identifies as “Dog House” listings.
“That way we’re all helping with this very important project,” Bayless said, “and Diesel will return the favor by helping the entire community.”
Bayless, an Oro Valley resident and specialist in area residential properties, said she didn’t think twice about offering assistance when she heard the police unit was under-strength.
“One of the reasons people move to Oro Valley is because it’s a safe town,” Bayless said. “The OVPD obviously plays a large role in creating a safe environment for all residents to enjoy. I was happy to support their efforts because I love Oro Valley and I love dogs.”
On active duty since November, Diesel is a two-year-old male Belgian Malinois from the Czech Republic. A dual-purpose canine nationally certified in narcotics detection, Diesel is also trained in patrol tactics. He stepped into the duty-roster slot left open by the retirement of Canine Emerson, an Oro Valley K-9 stalwart since 2011.
A native Tucsonan, Bayless has been an Oro Valley REALTOR® for more than 11 years and ranks in the top one percent of all Tucson-area sales agents. Bayless focuses her practice in Oro Valley, Marana and greater northwest Tucson. She is active with numerous nonprofits and served as board president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson.
Diesel joins Canine Justin and Canine Bruno in the K-9 unit, which assists in searches for narcotics, people and bombs. His handler is OVPD Officer Kevin Peterson.
For more information, contact Lisa Bayless by email at lisab@longrealty.com or by phone at (520) 668-8293.
