SONNY HORSES 4 KIDS 5 PROGRAMS

It was an honor to present the Sonny Horses 4 Heroes Award for the month of July to Santa Paula PD’s K9 Unit.

Senior Officer Wyatt Gates and “Doc” were honored in the category of Dedication to Service: Going above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. Senior Officer Wyatt and K9 Doc diligently serve the Santa Paula Community and help make it safer by assisting in criminal apprehensions. Senior Officer Wyatt Gates and his partner Doc are a highly trained, certified patrol and narcotics team with the Santa Paula Police Department.

Senior Officer Dan Gosselin and K9 Raider were honored in the category of Commitment to Community: Actively engaging in community programs and initiatives that strengthen relationships between first responders and citizens. You can see Senior Officer Gosselin all throughout the community with K-9 Raider on any given day. Senior Officer Gosselin and K9 Raider helped assist in the security operations and venue search at SOFI Stadium as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. What an honor to represent the K-9 Unit on an International Stage.

Congratulations to those “That Wear the Fur” K9 Doc & K9 Raider!

We are so proud to honor you

The Sonny Horses 4 Heroes program is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and first responders who selflessly serve our community. As a proud part of the Sonny Horses 4 Kids initiative, this program not only honors our heroes but also helps foster meaningful connections between our children and the first responders of Ventura County.

We invite the community to take part by nominating outstanding officers and first responders who exemplify the highest standards of service, integrity, and compassion. Each month, Sonny Boy, the Sonny Horses 4 Kids team, and senior department leadership review the nominations and select one deserving hero to receive this distinguished honor.

Honorees are recognized with a commemorative plaque and a dinner at the restaurant of their choice, as a small but heartfelt way to say thank you for going above and beyond in service to others.

Every month, Sonny Horses 4 Heroes proudly recognizes individuals whose actions reflect the very best of public service. Honorees are selected for demonstrating one or more of the following qualities:

⭐ Acts of Bravery
Exceptional courage demonstrated while protecting others in dangerous or life-threatening situations.

⭐ Dedication to Service
Consistently going above and beyond the call of duty to serve and support others with professionalism, compassion, and integrity.

⭐ Commitment to Community
Building trust and strengthening relationships through active community involvement, outreach, and engagement.

⭐ Leadership & Mentorship
Leading by example while inspiring, mentoring, and encouraging others to uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism.

⭐ Resilience in Adversity
Demonstrating strength, perseverance, and unwavering commitment while overcoming personal or professional challenges.

⭐ Lifesaving Actions
Taking decisive action that directly protects, preserves, or saves the lives of others.