COCOA POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Yvonne Martinez, Public Information Officer, 321-243-7812

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 1:30 PM
 
Cocoa PD Presents 3^rd Annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition
 
(Cocoa, FL)—More than 20 police K-9 teams from around Florida and across the country will meet at USSSA Space Coast Stadium on Sunday, October 17^th for a competition designed to test their professional skills, and how well they navigate real the world challenges of police K-9 duties.  The event is presented by the Cocoa Police Department in partnership with the Brevard Kennel Club, the event’s main sponsor.  The competition begins at 4 PM with gates opening at 3 PM.
                The competition will offer a rare opportunity for the public to see police canine teams in action as they navigate more than one dozen obstacles that simulate a variety of disciplines including scent detection, hurdles, jumping through windows, tunnels, and more. The second half of the competition is a “Hard Dog-Fast Dog” contest, a fan favorite. The challenge is to determine which K9 has the hardest and fastest apprehension. The event will also feature a half-time demonstration that will take spectators inside a live, simulated police pursuit, K-9 apprehension, and human rescue. The half-time demonstration will feature Cocoa PD’S K9 Bear with Officer Dan Rhoades, local fan favorite and winner of America’s Top Dog Season 1 Episode 2, the Fast and Furriest. “What we are hoping to do is showcase the exceptional skills, incredible discipline and the unique bonds these dogs and their handlers have that many citizens would never get a chance to otherwise see,” said Chief Evander Collier IV. “The event is free for the public to come watch.  It’s going to be a fun time and we hope everyone comes out to see us.”
The event will also offer a unique vendor expo, static displays from various law enforcement agencies, event merchandise, and food and beverages for purchase.  All proceeds benefit the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation, a non-profit supporting police K-9 programs and public safety outreach throughout the Space Coast.  To learn more visit the event website at www.spacecoastpolicek9competition.com and follow the event Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SpaceCoastPoliceK9Competition