Boca Police Dogs Shine in South Florida K-9 Competition

BOCA RATON – On Saturday, March 24, officers from the Boca Raton Police Department’s K-9 Unit participated in the inaugural South Florida K-9 Competition, hosted by the Boynton Beach Police Department.

This community event, which helped raise money for the Boynton Beach Police Department’s K-9 Unit, had 28 K-9 teams from Martin, Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties competing for the “Top Dog” title.

Officer Neil Mason, recognized as one of the top K-9 trainers in the state of Florida, was selected as a judge for the competition. The timed obstacle course required the K-9’s to jump over fences, crawl through barrels, climb walls and apprehend a “bad guy.”

Officer Stephen Mercer and K-9 partner Czita took third place overall with a time of 1:42, placing behind first and second by mere seconds.

Officer Shawn Lyman and his K-9 partner Max placed sixth, with a time of 1:52.

Sergeant Mick Carrasquel, who supervises the unit, had nothing but praise for his officers and their K-9 partners, “An incredible amount of time and effort goes into everyday K-9 training, both at work and at home. This competition highlights their skills and dedication.”