Pasco Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit is one of the largest and most diversely skilled K-9 units in Florida. It’s comprised of multiple handler and K-9 teams, all serving a specific purpose. These teams have a variety of skills, including tracking missing people, finding drugs, explosives or accelerants, locating human remains and providing comfort for those in crisis. K-9s are vital to PSO, as they can perform tasks that humans cannot or that would take significant manpower and time to achieve the same result.
Each K-9 is selected for their handler based on drive, personality and home life compatibility, as all of PSO’s K-9s live at the handler’s home as part of their family. Most K-9s and their handlers undergo over 400 hours of training before becoming a certified team. They continue to train weekly to ensure they remain at the top of their skillset. All of PSO’s K-9s serve the citizens of Pasco with eagerness and enthusiasm, and only ask for a toy and praise as their rewards.
K-9s require significant funds for care, equipment and training. The money to purchase, train and equip all of PSO’s K-9s comes from donations from businesses, community groups and citizens. None of the money for PSO’s K-9s comes from taxpayer dollars.
If you’re interested in donating the funds to purchase, train and equip a K-9 for Pasco Sheriff’s Office, please email charities@pascosheriff.org for more information and to begin the process.
Even after a K-9 retires, they still require vet care and maintenance. PSO’s K-9s remain with their handlers after retirement, and donations help fund this care for the rest of a K-9’s life.
You can make a difference in the life of K9, who selflessly served the citizens of Pasco County, by donating here today!
K9 Benco is a German Shepherd born on Sept. 11, 2014 in Germany. K9 Benco is certified in patrol work and explosive detection. He also assists the SWAT team and began working with PSO in Dec. 2015. As the SWAT K9, he is integrated with the team and deploys on their operations. K9 Benco was the first integrated SWAT K9 for PSO. He is a member of the Regional Explosive Ordnance Detection K9 Team and has participated in several large events. K9 Benco has a tenacity for work and is always ready to go.
On his off time, K9 Benco loves hanging out with his family and chewing on his bone. His favorite treat is ice cubes.
K-9 Benco
K9 Blake is a German Shepherd born on Aug. 28, 2020 in Slovakia. He started his career with PSO in October 2021 and is a certified patrol K9. He will earn his certification in narcotics detection in 2022 and use these skills to assist PSO’s Highway Interdiction Team. This specialty unit is responsible for disrupting the flow of narcotics traveling through the country on its major roads and highways.
K9 Blake is named for Dr. Blake, a veterinarian who donated the funds to purchase K9 Blake, and has many of PSO’s K9s as patients.
K-9 Blake
K9 Boomer is an English Lab born in Indiana on July 2, 2019. He began working for PSO in August 2022 as an electronic storage device detection K9. Boomer is able to sniff out hidden storage devices, such as USBs, computer hard drives and memory cards, which may be used to store or transmit child sexual abuse material. Additionally, K9 Boomeris a certified therapy dog. K9 Boomer will not only be able to assist victims on scene experiencing a stressful situation, but will also serve as a therapeutic outlet for the detectives that investigate these horrific crimes.
K9 Boomer was generously donated by Operation Underground Railroad, a non-profit organization with a mission to protect children from sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
K-9 Boomer
K9 Brasko was born in Germany on Nov. 6, 2013. He is a German Shepherd and began working for PSO in May 2015. He is certified in patrol work and narcotics detection. K9 Brasko has attended numerous narcotics certifications and seminars, and in both 2015 and 2017 was awarded first place from over 100 dogs from all over the U.S. in narcotics detection.
When not at work, K9 Brasko insists his family members play fetch with him and his favorite toy, his Kong.
K-9 Brasko
K9 Buzz is a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross. He was born in the Netherlands on Aug. 7, 2017, and started his career at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in Jan. 2019. He is a certified patrol K9 which includes skills such as tracking, area and building searches, obedience, evidence recovery and apprehension work.
K9 Buzz loves working, but when off-duty, he likes to relax in the shade with his Kong or lay on his bean bag.
K-9 Buzz
K9 Chaos is a Belgian Malinois who was born in the United States on October 12, 2018. He is certified in patrol work and explosives detection, and is a SWAT K9. K9 Chaos was picked out of a litter of 11 puppies because he was the most mischievous and he started training with his handler as a puppy. His energy and drive make him an excellent at his job, especially as one of the few SWAT K9s at PSO.
K9 Chaos loves to work and especially loves spending time with the deputies and his fellow K9 friends as they team up to protect the citizens of Pasco County.
K-9 Chaos
Animal Assisted Therapy K9 Charlie is a Pit Bull mix assigned to the Behavioral Health Intervention Team. He was born Oct. 18, 2018. AAT K9 Charlie was rescued from a Brevard County shelter and was trained as a therapy dog as part of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office’s “Paws & Stripes” program, in which inmates learn valuable skills while teaching dogs to be calm and confident companions.
AAT K9 Charlie is nationally certified as a therapy K9 and holds an AKC Good Citizen certification. He brings a calm presence to calls for service and to citizens experiencing a mental health crisis. AAT K9 Charlie is the first therapy K9 employed at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
AAT K-9 Charlie
K9 Cooper is a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois cross born on August 24, 2020 in Hungary. He is certified in patrol work and will work towards his narcotics detection certification in 2022, making him dual certified. K9 Cooper started working with PSO in May 2022. As a patrol K9 Cooper assists deputies on calls, such as finding missing people and dangerous narcotics, and successfully tracked a suspect in an armed aggravated assault case in his first deployment.
When he’s not working, K9 Cooper loves playing fetch and snacking on peanut butter dog cookies.
K-9 Cooper
K9 Diesel is Labrador Retriever born in Maine on March 29, 2018. He is certified in human remains detection and began working for PSO in July 2019. He is currently the only K9 integrated with PSO’s Forensics Unit full time and is one of the only forensics-integrated K9s in the country. This ensures that K9 Diesel’s finds are preserved immediately, instead of waiting for a forensics team to arrive to begin processing a scene.
When it comes to food, he doesn’t pick favorites – he loves it all!
K-9 Diesel
K9 Dobies is a Labrador Retriever born in Hungary on Sept. 18, 2013. He began working at PSO in July 2016, and is certified in narcotics detection. K9 Dobies loves squeaky toys, swimming in the pool and meeting new people.
The funds for K9 Dobies were generously donated by Tom Dobies.
K-9 Dobies
K9 Farrell is a German Shepherd born on Nov. 4, 2015 in the Czech Republic. He started his career with PSO in February 2017. K9 Farrell is certified as both a patrol K9 and in narcotics detection. K9 Farrell enjoys playing with his tug toy and his Kong. He is energetic and enjoys going to work. K9 Farrell also earned “Top Dog” at a K9 Narcotics Detection seminar in 2020.
The funds for K9 Farrell were generously donated by the Farrell family.
K-9 Farrell
K9 FJ is a Belgian Malinois born in the Czech Republic on Aug. 2, 2017. He is the first Belgian Malinois to work at PSO. K9 FJ is certified in narcotics detection and patrol work, and began working at PSO in Jan. 2019. His favorite toys include his tug and tennis balls. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family at home.
The funds for K9 FJ were generously donated by Wesley Chapel Toyota and he was named for Toyota’s FJ Cruiser.
K-9 FJ
K9 Flash is a Belgian Malinois born in Croatia on Feb. 14, 2019. He is a single-purpose narcotics detection K9 assigned to the Highway Interdiction Team. This specialty unit is responsible for disrupting the flow of narcotics traveling through the county. K9 Flash began serving the citizens of Pasco County in Oct. 2021.
When not working, K9 Flash loves playing with his family at home.
K-9 Flash
K9 Hela is a Golden Retriever born in Colombia on Dec. 13, 2016. She began working with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in April 2018. Her specialty is narcotics detection. K9 Hela is the first Golden Retriever employed by PSO. K9 Hela’s name comes from Norse mythology, in which Hela is Thor’s sister. K9 Hela’s handler was partnered with PSO K9 Thor before his retirement.
K-9 Hela
K9 Hemi is a Bloodhound born in Kentucky on Feb. 1, 2021. K9 Hemi began training at just 11 weeks old, and began working in 2022. He is a littermate of K9 Shelby. His specialty is tracking people, which is one of the most frequent calls for K9s in Pasco. K9 Hemi is able to decipher between the scents of multiple people, even after long time delays because of his heightened sense of smell. He enjoys spending time with his siblings when he is not working.
K9 Hemi was purchased with funds generously donated by Ferman of New Port Richey.
K-9 Hemi
K9 Hero is a Belgian Malinois that was born on June 11, 2018. He began working for PSO in Feb. 2020 and is certified in narcotics detection and patrol work. K9 Hero enjoys spending his off time napping to save his energy for his work. K9 Hero is currently assigned to the Highway Interdiction Team, which helps keep Pasco safe from the trafficking of illegal narcotics.
K-9 Hero
K9 Honor is a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross born in Hungary on Aug. 3, 2019. K9 Honor is a single-purpose narcotics detection K9 currently assigned to the Highway Interdiction Team, which is responsible for disrupting the flow of narcotics traveling through the county. He began working at PSO in Oct. 2021.
K-9 Honor
K9 Hunter is a Labrador Retriever who was born in Colombia on Jan. 30, 2019. He is certified in narcotics detection and began working with PSO in May 2020. His favorite food is carrots and loves any toy that squeaks.
The funds for K9 Hunter were generously donated by the Lake Jovita Women’s Club.
K-9 Hunter
AAT K9 JoJo is a Labrador Retriever who was born in Colombia on June 10, 2018. He began working for PSO in May 2020. AAT K9 JoJo began his career at PSO as a narcotics detection K9 that helped prevent the introduction of illegal narcotics to the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center. He was one of the first K9s to be in this assignment. Sadly, K9 JoJo was diagnosed with cancer when he was 2 and was medically retired. However, chemotherapy put K9 JoJo into full remission. K9 JoJo then returned to service as an animal-assisted therapy K9, which is a lower stress job than narcotics detection. He now provides a calm presence and smiles to PSO members as part of the Agency Resiliency Unit.
The funds for K9 JoJo were generously donated by the Lake Jovita Women’s Club.
AAT K-9 Jojo
K9 Joker is a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross from Hungary. He was born on December 10, 2019 and began working for PSO in April 2021. He is a single purpose narcotics detection K9 with high drive and energy, who lives to play, and by extension, work.
K-9 Joker
K9 J.R. is a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois cross born in Germany on March 29, 2016. K9 J.R. is a dual purpose K9 skilled in patrol work and arson detection. He began working for PSO in Oct. 2017. During his off time, K9 J.R. loves hanging by the pool and swimming.
The funds for K9 J.R. were generously donated by a Pasco citizen, and he is named for PSO K9 trainer, Cpl. John Rux.
K-9 J.R.
K9 Karma is a single-purpose narcotics detection K9 assigned to the Highway Interdiction Team, which helps interrupt the flow of illegal narcotics throughout Pasco County. He is a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross and was born in Hungary on Sept. 26, 2019. K9 Karma began working at PSO in Oct. 2021 and works with enthusiasm and plenty of drive.
When K9 Karma is not working, he loves to play with his family at home and enjoys neck scratches.
K-9 Karma
K9 Knox was born Jan. 7, 2017 in Florida and began working for PSO when he was just 10 months old in Oct. 2017. K9 Knox is a Bloodhound who is certified through the National Police Bloodhound Association to track missing people and criminals who have fled. K9 Knox can track a specific person, even through a crowd, if he gets to smell something that belongs to them. His favorite food is cheese and loves playing tug-o-war when not working.
K-9 Knox
K9 Luca is a single-purpose narcotics detection K9. She was born in Hungary on March 3, 2019 and is a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross. K9 Luca is part of PSO’s Highway Interdiction Team, who helps disrupt the flow of illegal drugs through Pasco County. She began serving the citizens of Pasco County in Oct. 2021.
The funds for K9 Luca were generously donated by Thomas DeLuca, for whom she is named.
K-9 Luca
K9 Maddie is a Labrador Retriever born in Maine on August 22, 2018. She began working for PSO on May 28, 2020. K9 Maddie is certified as a “live find” K9, who is able to find survivors after natural and man-made disasters, such as hurricanes or building collapses. She is the first live find K9 to be employed with PSO.
The funds for K9 Maddie were generously donated by the Moore family, and she is named in honor of their daughter, Maddie, who passed away in 2017 and wished to pursue a career in forensics.
K-9 Maddie
K9 Mango is a Labrador mix certified in Animal-Assisted Therapy. He was born sometime around Oct. 2018 and was rescued from an animal shelter in Brevard County. AAT K9 Mango was trained by inmates at Brevard County’s jail as part of Brevard Sheriff’s Office’s “Paws & Stripes” program, in which teaches inmates teach shelter dogs to be calm companions, while the inmates learn valuable life skills. K9 Mango is certified through AKC’s Good Citizen program and is a nationally certified therapy dog.
AAT K9 Mango began working at PSO in April 2020. He provides calm and reassurance to those experiencing a crisis or high stress situation. K9 Mango was previously part of PSO’s Behavioral Health Intervention Team and is now assigned to the Community Engagement Bureau, where he happily works to strengthen the bond between PSO and the community PSO serves.
AAT K-9 Mango
K9 Maus is a Dutch Shepherd born on Oct. 30, 2018 in Hungary. He began working for PSO in Jan. 2020 and is patrol and narcotics detection certified. K9 Maus is the first Dutch Shepherd to work at PSO. K9 Maus loves working and especially enjoys tracking people. K9 Maus also earned “Top Dog” at a K9 Narcotics Detection seminar in 2021. His favorite food is grilled chicken and he loves relaxing in his yard of his days off.
The funds for K9 Maus were generously donated by Maus Nissan, and he was named in their honor.
K-9 Maus
K9 Phi is a Labrador Retriever that was born on Jan. 29, 2016 in Alabama. He is certified in the land and water detection of human remains, and began working for PSO in Feb. 2018. K9 Phi has assisted the FBI, as well as other law enforcement agencies, for numerous homicides, missing people and cold cases. In particular, K9 Phi loves working in wooded areas. K9 Phi has endless energy and is always happy.
In his time off, he loves playing with his tug.
K-9 Phi
K9 Ranger is a Belgian Malinois born on June 6, 2020, in the Czech Republic. He is trained and certified in patrol work and explosive detection. Additionally, he is one of only a few K9s on the SWAT team and began working with PSO in Oct. 2021.
K9 Ranger is very energetic at work and home. His version of relaxing is playing catch non-stop with his family. K9 Ranger’s high energy and drive make him fantastic at his job.
K-9 Ranger
K9 Ripp is a Dutch Shepherd born in the Netherlands on June 15, 2020. He is certified in patrol work and will become certified in narcotics detection in 2022. With these skills, K9 Ripp will help protect the citizens of Pasco County from dangerous drugs.
K9 Ripp started working with PSO in October 2021 alongside his older brother, K9 Farrell. He is a smaller dog but is still very strong and loves working!
K-9 Ripp
K9 Shelby is a Bloodhound born in Kentucky on Feb. 1, 2021. K9 Shelby began training with PSO when he was just 11 weeks old and began working calls in 2022. He is a littermate of K9 Hemi. He is a single-purpose tracking K9 and uses his heightened sense of smell to locate missing people even after hours-long delays. Tracking missing people is one of the most frequent calls for PSO’s K9s. K9 Shelby’s favorite part of working at PSO is reuniting missing people with their loved ones.
K9 Shelby was purchased with funds generously donated by Ferman of New Port Richey.
K-9 Shelby
K9 Shep is a German Shepherd who was born on Feb. 22, 2014. K9 Shep is from Hungary and began working for PSO in Aug. 2015. He is certified in patrol work and narcotics detection. After each successful track, K9 Shep gets a doggy ice cream, one of his favorite treats, when he gets home. He loves to play with his Kong toy when not working.
K-9 Shep
K9 Smitty was born in Hungary on Nov. 8, 2017. He is a German Shepherd and began working for PSO in Nov. 2018. K9 Smitty’s specialties on the team include patrol work and explosives detection. He is also one of the only K9s assigned to the SWAT team.
When he’s not working, he loves going to the park and going out on the lake.
K-9 Smitty
K9 Star is a German Shepherd that was born in Hungary on Sept. 8, 2018. He began working for PSO in Nov. 2019. K9 Star is certified in patrol work and narcotics detection. His favorite foods include carrots and frozen watermelon. At home, he enjoys getting pets and following his handler around.
K-9 Star
Animal-Assisted Therapy K9 Tacoma is a chocolate Lab assigned to PSO’s Behavioral Health Intervention Team. He was born in Florida on January 10, 2019. AAT K9 Tacoma was rescued from an animal shelter in Brevard County and trained as a therapy dog as part of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office’s “Paws & Stripes” program, where inmates learn valuable skills while teaching dogs to be calm and confident companions.
In addition to being a certified therapy dog, K9 Tacoma also has certification from AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program. He works alongside his handler to help those experiencing a crisis or in high stress situations. K9 Tacoma’s gentle and friendly demeanor makes him perfect for lending comfort to those on their worst day.
The funds for AAT K9 Tacoma were generously donated by Wesley Chapel Toyota, and he is named after the Toyota Tacoma truck.
AAT K-9 Tacoma
K9 Trinity is a German Shepherd, born in Hungry on June 24, 2015. She began working for PSO in Dec. 2017. K9 Trinity is a single-purpose narcotics detection K9 and holds two narcotic detection certificates, from National Narcotic Detector Dog Association and the Tampa Bay Regional K9 Instructor Group.
When not working, K9 Trinity enjoys going on jogs with her partner and getting tummy rubs.
K9 Trinity’s skills have resulted in the seizure of numerous illegal narcotics and she thoroughly enjoys her work.
K-9 Trinity
Animal-Assisted Therapy K9 Woodie is the first Plott Hound to join the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and one of only a few female K9s at PSO. She was born on January 2, 2021, and was rescued from an animal shelter in Brevard County. AAT K9 Woodie was trained by inmates at Brevard County’s jail as part of Brevard Sheriff’s Office’s “Paws & Stripes” program, in which inmates learn valuable life skills while teaching dogs to be calm and confident companions. She began working at PSO on June 11, 2022.
AAT K9 Woodie responds to stressful situations and provides a calm presence to those experiencing a tough time. She loves meeting people and helping the citizens of Pasco County. AAT K9 Woodie also serves as a Community Engagement K9, where she happily works to strengthen the bond between PSO and the community PSO serves.
The funds to purchase and train AAT K9 Woodie were generously donated by Woodie’s Wash Shack and she is named in their honor.
AAT K-9 Woodie
K9 Yager was born in Slovakia on Oct. 15, 2015 and has been working with PSO since June 2017. He is a German Shepherd. K9 Yager is certified in patrol work and narcotics detection. He is highly intelligent and always eager to work. K9 Yager is extremely driven and will retrieve any toy endlessly.
The funds for K9 Yager were generously donated by CCS Medical Group.
K-9 Yager
K9 Yogi is a German Shepherd, who was born on Nov. 5, 2013 in Germany. He began working for PSO in Jan. 2015 and is certified in patrol work and narcotics detection. K9 Yogi loves going to work and often he’s near the front door barking and jumping in circles as his handler puts on the uniform.
When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his family and napping.
K-9 Yogi
Thank you to these K-9s that have faithfully served Pasco County. K-9s live with their handlers as pets upon retirement. They are provided with medical care and more for the rest of their lives, free of charge to the handler, thanks to generous community donations. Pasco Sheriff K-9 Association is grateful for each of these K-9s’ dedicated and selfless service to the citizens of Pasco County.