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AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety has graduated nine new K-9 teams and four certified K-9 tech trainers, who will now be deployed across the state to support narcotics and explosives detection, tracking operations and other law enforcement efforts.
The graduating class includes six narcotics detection teams: Trooper Ernesto Guzman and K-9 Eddy; Trooper Gumecindo Rocha and K-9 Ronin; Trooper Jared Conaway and K-9 Ares; Trooper Kenneth Gibson and K-9 Jeta; Trooper Marlen Vasquez-Trevino and K-9 Zeus; and Trooper Riley Cooper and K-9 Venom.
Two explosives detection teams also completed the program: Trooper Arturo Perez and K-9 Bella, and Trooper Cassandra Armas and K-9 Nova.
The class’s tracking team, Trooper Emiliano Rangel and K-9 Stark, is trained in long-distance scent tracking and has recorded tracks as long as 16 miles.
“Our K-9 teams are an integral part of the DPS family and play a vital role in our mission to protect and serve the people of Texas,” Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said. “Whether detecting explosives, tracking fugitives or uncovering drugs, these dogs and their handlers demonstrate extraordinary dedication and courage every day.”
The DPS K-9 program includes 85 handlers and more than 100 personnel statewide.
Dogs in the program include German shepherds, Dutch shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador retrievers and a Vizsla. Each new team completed a nine-week training course preceded by six weeks of pre-training for the dogs.
Three members of the class also earned certification as K-9 tech trainers, which requires Texas Commission on Law Enforcement instructor credentials and 250 hours in a specialized discipline.
Handlers also received training in K-9 health awareness and emergency medical care to protect their partners in harsh or high-pressure conditions.
The agency said the teams are prepared to assist with narcotics interdiction, explosives response, search and rescue efforts and criminal investigations throughout Texas.
The new teams will begin assignments immediately.
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