Pasadena Officers Honored for Response Involving Burbank Police K-9 Spike

(L-R) Pasadena officers John Lewy, Ron Sereno, Ryan Goetz and John Duggar after the Burbank Police Foundation’s seventh annual awards luncheon (Photo – PPD)

Five Pasadena Police Department personnel were honored Wednesday, September 16, 2026, for their roles in responding to an incident involving Burbank Police Department K-9 Spike, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor at the Burbank Police Foundation’s annual awards luncheon.

By News Desk

Officers Jeff Newlen, Ryan Goetz, John Lewy and John Duggar, along with Detective Ron Sereno, were recognized during the seventh annual event at the Burbank Marriott Airport. More than 350 guests attended the luncheon, which celebrated the service of Burbank police officers, volunteers and community members.

Spike received the award for risking his life to protect others. His handler, Burbank Officer Corey Salas, accepted the medal as attendees gave him a standing ovation.

The ceremony also highlighted the dangers faced by police K-9s and the importance of protecting the animals that assist officers in the field.

Pasadena Police Department K-9s Seeka, Knoert, Barry, Rex and Pepa support a range of operations, including building and vehicle searches, critical missing-person investigations, evidence recovery, narcotics investigations and explosive-detection sweeps.

To improve their safety, the department’s K-9 team has been equipped with specialized protective vests designed to shield vital organs and help regulate the dogs’ body temperature during demanding operations. The equipment was purchased with community donations raised by the Pasadena Police Foundation, with no public funds used.

Handlers and their canine partners have trained with the vests to ensure the equipment provides protection without restricting the dogs’ movement or effectiveness.

The luncheon underscored the cooperation among law enforcement agencies, charitable foundations and the communities they serve, and honored the courage of both police officers and the K-9s who work alongside them.