Date Published: 13/06/2025

From stray to star: Ray the rescue dog joins Los Alcázares police force

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Meet Ray, who is now helping to protect the streets where he was once left behind

From stray to star: Ray the rescue dog joins Los Alcázares police force

Los Alcázares has welcomed back its Local Police Canine Unit, and at the heart of this new chapter is Ray, a once-abandoned dog who has now become a fully certified police partner.

Ray’s story is nothing short of inspiring. Found alone during a night patrol by Officer Jennifer García, the young dog showed such natural intelligence and calm under pressure that Jennifer made the decision to adopt him. From there, a new bond was formed and over the last year and a half, the pair have undergone intense specialist training to become an operational team, ready to support local police work in areas such as prevention and detection.

Now, thanks to their hard work and dedication, the Canine Unit has officially been reactivated. A launch event took place on Thursday June 12 in the Plenary Hall of Los Alcázares Town Hall, where Ray received his official diploma and was introduced to the public as a full member of the force.

“Ray is not just a police dog,” said Police Councillor María Carmen Guevara. “He’s a symbol of nobility, intelligence and second chances. Thanks to the dedication of Jennifer and the team, today we celebrate much more than a return: we celebrate a story of vocation, humanity and public service.”

The event was attended by Mayor Mario Pérez Cervera, canine training director Irma Valderrábano of SITCAN, and officers from other police dog units in the Region of Murcia, including Officer Luis Gascón and dog Tazz from Murcia, and Officer José Antonio Puche with Sully from Alguazas.

Alongside Jennifer and Ray, officers Antonio Fernández, José Pérez and Tomás Fernández-Henarejos also form part of the unit. They are already active in local outreach, including school talks and animal welfare awareness sessions.

The day ended with a demonstration of Ray’s new skills, drawing smiles and applause from all who attended. As Los Alcázares continues to invest in a friendly and modern police force, it’s clear that Ray will be playing a big part in keeping both the community, and its animals, safe.

Images: Ayuntamiento de Los Alcázares

Address

Avenida 13 de Octubre, 12, Los Alcazares

Tel: 968 575756

Information for residents and visitors in Los Alcázares and Los Narejos

Los Alcazares Tourist Office Despite being a relatively small municipality Los Alcázares relies to such a large extent on year-round tourism that it operates two tourist information offices, one in the town itself and the other in the seafront district of Los Narejos.

The fully qualified staff at both offices strive to provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your time in Los Alcázares, recommending places to visit, things to do and upcoming events in the area as well as practical help. The multitude of leaflets on offer will help you to fully enjoy the Costa Cálida and the Mar Menor!

Contact details:

Los Alcázares office

Avenida Trece de Octubre, 8, 30710 Los Alcázares, Murcia (click for map)

Open year-round weekdays 9.00 to 14.00.

Additional opening hours in summer during the afternoon, weekdays 17.00 to 19.00 and on Saturday and Sunday mornings 10.00 to 13.00.

Telephone: 968 575756

Email: turismo@losalcazares.es

Los Narejos office

Avenida Cartagena, esquina Calle Piscis (click for map)

Open on weekdays 9.00 to 14.00 throughout the year.

Telephone: 968 582119

Email: turismolosnarejos@losalcazares.es