Cocoa Police K9 Copper Wins National Award for Canine Excellence, Televised On Animal Planet Jan. 1

By  //  December 17, 2018

event will be televised on the animal planet channel new year's day

K9 Copper and Handler Officer Chris Hattaway accepted the award at the AKC National Championship events in Orlando this past weekend. (CPD Image)

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – The American Kennel Club has awarded Cocoa Police K9 Copper with its AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence (ACE).

The award recognizes loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and communities.

K9 Copper and Handler Officer Chris Hattaway accepted the award at the AKC National Championship events in Orlando this past weekend.

The event will be nationally televised on the Animal Planet channel on New Year’s Day.

“Whether saving lives or providing comfort, these five ACE recipients serve as testimony to the immeasurable ways our canine companions touch our lives every day,” said Doug Ljungren, President of the AKC Humane Fund.

“Each dog’s loyalty and dedication to their work and community is an inspiration to dog lovers everywhere. We’re thrilled to honor their achievements with an ACE Award.”

K9 Copper was officially sworn-in February 2017. (CPD Image)

K9 Copper joined the Cocoa Police Department in 2016 as a 14-week old pup.

He is an American Black and Tan Coonhound donated to the agency by Cynthia Drake Owens of Oak Hill Kennel in Oxford, North Carolina through co-breeders, Cocoa Deputy Mayor Brenda Warner and Maureen Finch.

Copper was officially sworn-in February 2017 and immediately began training.

Copper is an American Black and Tan Coonhound donated to the agency by Cynthia Drake Owens of Oak Hill Kennel in Oxford, North Carolina through co-breeders, Cocoa Deputy Mayor Brenda Warner and Maureen Finch.(CPD Image)

Since, he has become a nationally registered therapy dog used to comfort crime victims, including children who have been traumatized by abuse and must testify in court.

Copper is an AKC Certified Good Citizen and is trained in scent tracking which is a critical asset during search operations for missing and/or endangered persons. He is assigned to the Community Resource Unit with Officer Chris Hattaway. The team works many community events and outreach at local schools and civic groups.

“Copper has become a local celebrity and has accomplished so much for our community,” said Officer Chris Hattaway.

“Together we are able to make a positive impact in uniting law enforcement with the public and create unique bonds with the people we meet. I’m so honored to have him and am humbled and so appreciative of this recognition.”

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As a recipient of the ACE award, K9 Copper and Officer Hattaway will receive $1,000 to be awarded to a pet-related charity of their choice.

They also received a one-year pet insurance policy from AKC Pet Insurance provided by Pet Partners, and an engraved sterling silver medallion.

The event will be nationally televised on the Animal Planet channel on New Year’s Day. (CPD Image)
(CPD Image)
As a recipient of the ACE award, K9 Copper and Officer Hattaway will receive $1,000 to be awarded to a pet-related charity of their choice. (CPD Image)
(CPD Image)
Copper’s medal for winning the AKC Humane Fund Ace Awards. (CPD Image)

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