Home » WATCH REPLAY: Cocoa Police Department Host Third Annual Space Coast Police K9 Competition

WATCH REPLAY: Cocoa Police Department Host Third Annual Space Coast Police K9 Competition

By  //  October 18, 2021

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event was free for the public

ABOVE VIDEO: More than 20 police K-9 teams from around Florida and across the country met at Space Coast Stadium on Sunday, October 17 for a competition designed to test their professional skills, and how well they navigate real the world challenges of police K-9 duties.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – More than 20 police K-9 teams from around Florida and across the country met at Space Coast Stadium on Sunday, October 17 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 was presented by the Cocoa Police Department in partnership with the Brevard Kennel Club, the event’s main sponsor.

The competition began at 4 p.m.

The competition offered a rare opportunity for the public to see police canine teams in action as they navigate more than one dozen obstacles that simulated a variety of disciplines including scent detection, hurdles, jumping through windows, tunnels and more.

The second half of the competition was a “Hard Dog-Fast Dog” contest, a fan favorite. The challenge determines which K9 has the hardest and fastest apprehension.

The event will also featured a half-time demonstration that will take spectators inside a live, simulated police pursuit, K-9 apprehension, and human rescue.

The half-time demonstration featured Cocoa Police Department’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. (Cocoa Police image)

“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 to watch. It’s going to be a fun time and we hope everyone comes out to see us.”

The event also offered a unique vendor expo, static displays from various law enforcement agencies, event merchandise, and food and beverages for purchase.

All proceeds benefitted 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 SpaceCoastPoliceK9Competition.com and follow the event Facebook page at HERE.

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