Cheyenne Police K9 Team Wins Two Major Awards During Annual Certification

This week, K9 teams from across the state gathered in Cheyenne, Wyoming to complete their annual certification through the Wyoming Police Service Dog Association. Three of the 20 certifying teams were from the Cheyenne Police Department.

Throughout the week, training was conducted in narcotics detection, patrol, evidence location, and tracking skills. The teams were evaluated in different scenarios and high-intensity environments they might encounter while performing everyday tasks. The K9s were also tested on protecting their handler from an unexpected attack.

Awards were presented to the top performers at the end of the certification. One of the CPD’s newest dogs, K9 Tuco, and his handler Officer Lisa Koeppel earned two major awards, “Top Scoring Overall K9 Team” and “Top Scoring Patrol Team.” They also came in second place for
“Top Scoring Narcotics Team.”

Tuco, along with K9s Zeke and Rogue, joined the department earlier this year to step in for retiring veteran dogs. The teams have been training extensively to sharpen their skills and prepare for certification. Now, they are ready to begin patrol duties alongside their handlers and help keep Cheyenne safe.

“Our handlers and their canine partners put in an extraordinary amount of work, not just during certification week, but every day,” said Chief Mark Francisco. “The progress they’ve made since the beginning of the year is truly impressive, and we are all very proud of their accomplishments.”

CPD K9 teams completing certification:
• K9 Tuco and Officer Koeppel
• K9 Rogue and Officer Vapenik
• K9 Zeke and Officer Tait