A four-legged crimefighter officially joined Fort Worth’s fight against child exploitation last week, earning his badge as the department’s newest specialized K-9.
K-9 Copper, who joined the force in December, now serves as an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) dog with the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The pup is trained to sniff out hidden electronic devices that can hold evidence in these cases.
Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia personally pinned the badge on Copper during a ceremony on Friday, marking the service-certified dog’s growing role on the team and his specialized training.
“We’re so very proud of you,” Garcia told Copper, giving him affectionate head and chin scritches. “You keep helping us take these bad guys off the street, OK?”
Fort Worth police announced the milestone on the social media platform X.
“Copper assists with child exploitation cases, where he can sniff out electronic devices that can store Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), as well as being a certified service animal!” the post read. “Congratulations, Copper!”
U.S. First Responders Association commented on the post, noting that “there are less than 150 ESD K9s in the U.S. … it’s just amazing what they can find and do.”
“Thank you to the Fort Worth Police Department and the entire ICAC Task Force for your dedication, and to K-9 Copper for stepping into such an important role (and looking sharp with that new badge!),” commented Creekside Critters Pet Sitters.