Sarasota K9 Team Among Top Dogs At State Competition

SARASOTA, FL – When it comes to four-legged crime fighters, the Sarasota Police Department can now claim one of the top dogs.

On Saturday, Jan. 6, Sarasota Police K9 Officer Jake Nelson and his K9 partner, Bronson, took home a first-place award in the inaugural Gulf Coast K9 Competition at Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral hosted by the Cape Coral Police Department.

Nelson and Bronson were one of 19 teams from throughout the state that competed in various K9 handling competitions including the Obstacle Course, Hardest-Hitting Dog Competition and Fastest Dog Competition.

Other law enforcement agencies included the Cape Coral Police Department, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, North Port Police Department, Coral Gables Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol.

Nelson and Bronson aced the obstacle course which consisted of up-and-over maneuvers, jumping through tunnels, shooting simulations and taking on a balance beam together.

"Officer Nelson and K9 Bronson are an excellent team. They train hard and work diligently to catch criminals and keep the City of Sarasota safe," said Sgt. Bruce King, supervisor of the Sarasota Police Department K9 Unit. "It's nice when others get to see their bond and discipline get put to a test like the competition in Cape Coral this weekend.”

All proceeds and donations from the Gulf Coast K9 Competition will benefit the Cape Coral Animal Shelter, Paw for Patriots Foundation and Holidays for Heroes Foundation.

Photos via Sarasota Police Department