SAN ANTONIO – Some furry crime-fighters and their trainers have just graduated from training!

Nine new Texas Department of Public Safety K-9 teams and four certified K-9 Tech Trainers are graduating in Austin and are now set to deploy across Texas, expanding the agency’s ability to support narcotics and explosives detection, tracking operations, and broader law enforcement efforts.

Our K-9 teams are an integral part of DPS and play a vital role in our mission to protect and serve the people of Texas,” Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said. “Whether they are detecting explosives, tracking fugitives or uncovering drugs, these dogs and their handlers demonstrate extraordinary dedication and courage every day. Their work not only enhances our operational capabilities but also represents the very best of our commitment to keeping Texas safe.

DPS said its K-9 program includes 101 personnel, including 88 handlers. The agency’s K-9 teams include 59 narcotics detection dogs, 15 explosives detection dogs, and 14 tracking dogs. Breeds in the program include German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, and a Vizsla.

DPS said it has one of the longest K-9 training programs in the nation. The teams graduating today completed a nine-week training program, including six weeks of pre-training solely for the K-9s before dogs are matched with handlers.

DPS said training is conducted by experienced K-9 trainers with expertise in K-9 behavior and tactical operations.

The graduating class includes two individuals earning certification as K-9 Tech Trainers, DPS said. To become certified, individuals must be TCOLE-approved instructors and complete 250 credit hours in a specific discipline.

DPS said Tech Trainers lead the initial six weeks of pre-training, oversee daily instruction, assist in leading the class, maintain evaluations to track progress, and manage the use and accountability of training aids.

DPS said five of the graduating teams are trained in narcotics detection, with dogs trained to detect controlled substances, including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.

The agency said those teams are prepared for work in high-pressure environments such as vehicle searches, package inspections, and large-scale criminal investigations.

Three of the graduating teams are trained in explosives detection, DPS said, with dogs trained to detect a range of explosive odors, including commercial, military, and homemade explosives.

DPS said those teams are trained for scenarios in high-risk environments such as schools, large-scale public events, and government facilities.

NEW K-9 TEAM GRADUATES:

Trooper Brady Koveleskie & K-9 Cloak: Narcotics Detection HandlerTrooper Quinten Baker & K-9 Magik: Narcotics Detection HandlerTrooper Quinton Hall & K-9 Dori: Narcotics Detection HandlerTrooper Roberto Flores & K-9 Tyson: Narcotics Detection HandlerTrooper Victoria Escalon & K-9 Zen: Narcotics Detection HandlerTrooper Adriana Loredo & K-9 Disco: Explosives Detection HandlerTrooper Chase Grillet & K-9 Magnum: Explosives Detection HandlerTrooper James McConnaughay & K-9 Xena: Explosives Detection HandlerCorporal David Clayton: K-9 Tech TrainerTrooper Andrew Najera: K-9 Tech Trainer