COCOA POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Yvonne Martinez, Public Information Officer, 321-637-6309

 
Wednesday, November 2, 2022 9:20 AM
 
Cocoa PD Presents 4^th Annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition
 
(Cocoa, FL)—The largest field of police, military and professional working dog teams will compete on November 19^th for the 4^th annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition. The event will once again be held at USSSA Space Coast Stadium starting at 5 p.m.  The competition is designed to test each team’s professional skills, and how well they navigate the real-world challenges of police K-9 duties.  The event is presented by the Cocoa Police Department in partnership with The Brevard Kennel Club, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne, and Tails at the Barkery, the event’s main sponsors.
                Each year, the competition has grown and has become a fan favorite, offering 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 rescue. The half-time demonstration will feature Cocoa PD’S K9 Kyra with Officer Brian Delos Santos, K9 Draco and Officer Chris Moderson, and K9 Maverick and Officer Dan Rhoades. “There is a lot of public education about our k9s that happens during this event,” said Officer Dan Rhoades, who also serves as president for the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation.  “People will see and learn about the close bonds each dog and handler share. They will see the incredible discipline, obedience, intelligence, and how these dogs work, protect and serve.  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