9/03/04

A husband and wife K-9 police officer team and their canine partners, who have presented educational programs to more than 230,000 people, are the recipients of this year's State Bar Liberty Bell award. The award recognizes outstanding service performed by one or more non-lawyers who have strengthened the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law.

Joaquin and Cari Guerrero, Rookie (who is now deceased), and Felony are being honored for their work through Precinct 131, a non-profit organization founded by Joaquin to educate youth about the dangers of tobacco, drugs, gangs and violence through puppet skits, songs, videos, literature, and K-9 demonstrations. The Guerreros and their dogs were also the recipients of the 2004 Saginaw County Liberty Bell Award.

Joaquin holds an associate's degree in criminal justice from Delta College. He has worked for the Saginaw Police Department since 1989 and is currently a member of the Saginaw County Special Operations Support Team, managing the search and rescue units.

Cari holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Public Administration, from Saginaw Valley State University and is also a graduate of the Northeastern Police Academy at Delta College.

She is currently employed with the Saginaw Township Police Department and is an obedience instructor for Precinct 131.

The Guerreros are certified by the United States Department of Justice as trainers in Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings, Weapons of Mass Destruction. After September 11, 2001, they responded to the terrorist attacks in New York City in the areas of K-9 search and rescue, recovery K-9 therapy, and demobilization.

The Guerreros will receive their award on Thursday, September 30, at a Distinguished Service Awards Banquet during the State Bar's 69th Annual Meeting in Lansing. The dinner will take place from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Lansing Center ballroom

Cari and Felony

Joaquin and Rookie

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