Meet Sheriff's Deputy Dillon And Handler Deputy Colla

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department has one dedicated K9 for the West Valley Patrol Division, which includes Saratoga, Cupertino and Los Altos Hills.

His name is Dilllon, an 8-year-old Yellow Labrador who specializes in narcotics detection.

His handler is SCC sheriff's deputy Cary Colla, a 10-year veteran with the department.

Dillon and Colla have been partners for more than six years and they have several drug seizures under their belt.

Dillon lives with Colla and came to the department when he was 1 year old from an unknown state already trained to detect the four major narcotics—methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

The department compensates Colla for feeding the dog and covers his veterinary bills as well.

There are three other dogs working for the sheriff's office, two who live with another deputy handler and specialize in bombs and one enforcement dog that helps deputies chase and find suspects in hiding.

"These dogs are very hard workers. They love their jobs and they love coming to work with us," Colla said outside the sheriff's office in Cupertino on South De Anza Boulevard.

How close is Colla's bond with Dillon? "Unmeasurable. We spend 40 hours a week in the car together. We are best friends," Colla said.

The team is currently patrolling Cupertino, Saratoga and unincorporated Los Gatos hills. They spent about five years patrolling San Jose's east side and the central area.

Colla, 32, grew up in Morgan Hill and began his career with the sheriff's office when he was 21 years old.