Deputy U.S. Marshal Ella has conducted more than 2,800 federal building searches. She’s done more than 435 firearm/explosives search demonstrations and security briefings. She’s also provided security for our federal courthouse and the Patriots vs. Giants Super Bowl in Phoenix.
One of her biggest cases was the 2008 federal court bombing in downtown San Diego. Deputy Ella found pieces of the bomb that proved crucial to the follow up investigation.
“She searched and she alerted on piece after piece after piece of post blast of the bomb,” said Deputy U.S. Marshal Joanne, who could not give her last name for security reasons.
In addition to protecting people and participating in classified missions, Deputy Ellla loves eating treats, chewing on plastic water bottles and chasing her tail.
Yep, Deputy Ella is no ordinary deputy. She is a black lab and an expert at finding hidden firearms and explosives.
“She has found dozen of illegal guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition,” said her handler. “Some of them have been buried in the ground. Some of them have been hidden in walls or ceilings.”
On Thursday, more than 120 gathered on the lawn behind San Diego County’s federal courthouse to celebrate Deputy Ella’s retirement after nine years of service. Some of the attendees were top U.S. Marshals Service officials. Others were court employees, and some were even judges. Chief Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz not only attended the event, he was the driving force behind the retirement party.
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“Ella has kept us safe for nine years, and she deserves the recognition,” he said.
Although Deputy Ella will be retired, she’ll still be working in a way. She’ll be training her replacement and keeping folks in the federal courthouse company, in exchange for treats of course.
