A Pioneer Retires
K9 Officer Maria Hernandez, Port Police, 41 years of City service, Club Member, a trailblazer who paved the way for other female Officers by being the first female K9 Officer in Port Police history, retired July 26 after a long and trailblazing career. She was a pioneer in maritime law enforcement.
Maria, with 34 years as a Port Police Officer (and 41 years overall with the City), made history when the LA Port Police hired her as the first female K9 Officer. Maria’s career trajectory within the City of Los Angeles was remarkable. She started as a Security Officer for the Los Angeles Public Library and later transitioned to the LADWP and Cabrillo Marina before joining the Port Police.
Maria’s impact as the first female K9 Officer in the L.A. Port Police cannot be overstated. She has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for other women in law enforcement.
The challenges Maria faced as a Police Officer were already demanding, but being the first female K9 Officer presented additional obstacles due to its uncharted territory. Long hours, grueling calls and witnessing people at their worst moments are all part of the job for those who wear the police uniform and are “Sworn to Protect and Dedicated to Serve.” However, Maria’s unwavering perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity have been truly inspiring. Her life reflects what can be achieved with determination and courage.
Despite receiving little support and being treated indifferently at times, through her hard work and dedication, she earned the respect and support of the general public and many of her peers. Along her journey, Maria has formed lifelong friendships that she considers family. She draws strength from her unwavering faith in God and the guidance of positive role models.
As an Explosive K9 Handler, Maria worked with outside agencies and was requested to assist on many occasions. Port Police K9 handlers might be involved in searches of buildings, structures, open areas, vehicles, vessels, containers, special events, VIP visits, restricted areas, unattended bags or articles at the cruise terminals, and throughout the Port to ensure no one attempts to bring any explosive devices or weapons onto the property.
Maria’s career as a K9 Officer was been both rewarding and fulfilling. The ability to have a K9 partner respond effectively to various situations and to understand and read her dog has made Maria and her K9 partner, Emir, an exceptional team. The unique and unbreakable bond they shared is unparalleled, serving as a testament to the special relationship essential to Maria’s career and daily life. This bond is one that we can all admire.
The tragic events of 9/11 led to the need for more K9 Officers. Maria seized the opportunity to become an Explosives Detection K-9 Handler in 2007, solidifying her place in history.
Her expertise and dedication in this role made her the longest-serving K9 Officer currently in the Port Police K9 Unit. Maria’s contributions extended beyond the Port of Los Angeles, as she collaborated with outside agencies and conducted searches to ensure the community’s safety. The bond she shared with her K9 partner, Emir, was not just strong; it was unbreakable, and together, they proved to be an exceptional team.
Maria received her Associate of Arts degree in the administration of justice from Citrus College in Glendora in 1982. While attending Cal Poly Pomona in 1978, she was a track and field /cross country athlete, competing and winning a myriad of medals and was selected to attend a running camp at the United States Olympic Training Center, Squaw Valley. She graduated from the Sheriff’s Academy in 1990.
Maria says she would like to see more women in law enforcement and become K9 Officers/Handlers. She firmly believes that whatever law enforcement job you choose, you should do it to the best of your ability. Officers must remember that honesty is saying what you mean, and integrity means what you say! She believes law enforcement organizations must remember when Police Officers retire or leave the profession entirely, they take with them a wealth of generational and institutional wisdom. The wealth of knowledge, experience and training needs to be passed on years before an Officer retires, and organizations should utilize the talent of each sworn Officer in their organization.
Maria’s advice to Officers is to approach their jobs with honesty and integrity because these qualities define true professionalism. These qualities made her who she is. Being a Police Officer and wearing the Police Badge did not define her; instead, her work ethic and hard work did.
Congratulations to K9 Officer Maria Hernandez on her retirement, and she is commended for 41 years of dedicated service with the City of Los Angeles. Her unwavering commitment to the community, her trailblazing legacy, and the lasting impact of her contributions to law enforcement will be remembered and appreciated for years to come
