9 New K-9 Teams Graduate from Texas DPS, Joining Top-Tier Program

Nine new teams of K-9s and handlers graduated from the Texas Department of Public Safety on Nov. 7, 2025.

Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety

Nine new K-9 teams graduated from the Texas Department of Public Safety and will soon serve in police departments across the state.

"Our K-9 teams are an integral part of the DPS family and play a vital role in our mission to protect and serve the people of Texas," Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said. "Whether they are detecting explosives, tracking fugitives or uncovering drugs, these dogs and their handlers demonstrate extraordinary dedication and courage every day. Their work not only enhances our operational capabilities but also represents the very best of our commitment to keeping Texas safe."

The Texas DPS proudly claims one of the top K-19 programs in the country. Of the 100 total personnel, 85 are handlers with the following specialties:

• 56 in narcotics detection
• 15 in explosives detection
• 14 in tracking

The K-9 teams have several German shepherds, Dutch shepherds, Belgian malinois, Labrador retrievers and a Vizsla.

The renowned Texas DPS K-9 programs also have one of the nation's longest training programs. The graduates have completed a nine-week training program, with six weeks of pre-training just for the K-9s. Highly experienced trainers lead the program with years of expertise in K-9 behavior and tactical operations.

"These trainers are dedicated to shaping both handlers and their K-9 partners into cohesive, effective teams capable of excelling in high-pressure situations," the graduation announcement from the Texas DPS states. "Their rigorous training is designed to meet the utmost standard of operational readiness and public safety excellence."

Here are the Nov. 7 graduates.

Trooper Ernesto Guzman & K-9 Eddy: Narcotics Detection Handler
Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety

Trooper Marlen Vasquez-Trevino & K-9 Zeus: Narcotics Detection Handler
Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety

Trooper Jared Conaway & K-9 Ares: Narcotics Detection Handler
Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety

Trooper Gumecindo Rocha & K-9 Ronin: Narcotics Detection Handler
Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety

Trooper Kenneth Gibson & K-9 Jeta: Narcotics Detection Handler
Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety

Trooper Riley Cooper & K-9 Venom: Narcotics Detection Handler
Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety

Trooper Emiliano Rangel & K-9 Stark: Tracking Handler
Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety

Trooper Arturo Perez & K-9 Bella: Explosives Detection
Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety

Trooper Cassandra Armas & K-9 Nova: Explosives Detection
Courtesy/Texas Department of Public Safety