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USFPD K-9 Team

Going on nearly 6 years, the USF Police Department’s K-9 Unit continues to be a recognized standard of excellence in specialized policing, with a mission-driven approach and a streamlined training model. To date, the unit has responded to over 800 calls for service, with over 150 from partner agencies, including HCSO, TPD, TTPD, USAF, TIAPD, and the DEA. Through the dedicated work of these teams, over 47 pounds of narcotics have been removed from circulation.

USFPD K-9 teams have supported major events such as Super Bowl 55, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals (2020 & 2021), and MacDill AirFest, earning accolades and awards at local and national levels.

The unit recently welcomed three new additions: K-9 Chase and K-9 Scout, both assigned to explosives detection, and K-9 Chief, who has stepped into the narcotics detection role following the loss of beloved K-9 Krege. Together, these additions strengthen the team’s capabilities and ensure continued protection of the USF community and its surrounding partners.

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K-9 Toro

Specialty: Explosives Detection
Breed: German Shepherd
Date of Bith: 6
Partner/Handler: Sergeant Mark Aristizabal
Certified By: United States Police Canine Association (USPCA)

Meet K-9 Toro, a dynamic and dedicated explosives detection K-9 serving with the University of South Florida Police Department. Known for his sleek coat, agile build, and sharp focus, Toro exemplifies the precision and professionalism of modern police K-9 work.

Toro joined USFPD early in his life and quickly proved his aptitude for detection through rigorous training and certification. Partnered with Sergeant Mark Aristizabal, he conducts daily sweeps of campus facilities and responds to special assignments, using his exceptional sense of smell to identify potential explosive threats with speed and accuracy. His work is especially vital during high-profile events, including football games, VIP visits, and other large campus gatherings.

Certified annually by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA), Toro consistently performs at the highest level, demonstrating both skill and discipline in every operation.

When off duty, Toro is a loyal and affectionate companion who enjoys spending time with his handler. His favorite pastime is a spirited game of fetch, where his athleticism and enthusiasm shine.

Whether on patrol or at play, Toro brings courage, commitment, and heart to every task—making him both a trusted partner in public safety and a beloved member of the USF community.

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K-9 Alma

Specialty: Explosives Detection
Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer
Date of Birth: 6
Partner/Handler: Corporal Chad Hill
Certified By: United States Police Canine Association (USPCA)

Meet K-9 Alma, a spirited and highly skilled explosives detection K-9 serving with the ×îÐÂÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Police Department. Born and trained in Hungary, Alma brings international expertise, sharp intelligence, and a boundless work ethic to her role in keeping the campus safe.

From an early age, Alma demonstrated exceptional focus and an extraordinary sense of smell, making her a natural fit for detection work. After completing her rigorous training and certification, she joined the USFPD K-9 Unit, where she quickly earned recognition from peers at both local and regional levels for her precision and reliability in the field.

Partnered with Corporal Chad Hill, Alma conducts meticulous searches to identify potential explosive threats, playing a vital role in maintaining a safe environment for the university community. She also supports partner agencies during special events, joint operations, and high-profile gatherings.

When off duty, Alma enjoys spirited games of fetch, plenty of cuddle time with her handler, and well-earned treats. Her combination of professionalism, skill, and charm makes her both a trusted working partner and a beloved member of the USF family.

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K-9 Emma

Specialty: Narcotics Detection
Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer
Date of Birth: October 16, 2018
Date Joined USFPD: November 19, 2019
Handler: Officer Chad Bennett
Certifications: United States Police Canine Association (USPCA)

K-9 Emma is a 6.5-year-old black-coated German Shorthaired Pointer serving with distinction as a certified Narcotics Detection K-9 for the ×îÐÂÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Police Department. Paired with Handler Officer Chad Bennett, Emma has become a trusted and proven asset in the effort to keep dangerous narcotics and illicit substances off our streets.

Throughout her career, Emma has contributed to over 120 arrests, assisting in investigations and operations with city, county, and federal law enforcement partners. Her work directly supports the department’s mission to enhance public safety and protect the well-being of the campus and surrounding community.

Emma is widely recognized by her peers and agencies across the region for her exceptional drive and keen sense of detection. Her consistent performance in the field has earned her recognition at the local and regional level, showcasing her as a top-tier working K-9 in the area of narcotics enforcement.

Known for her focus and precision while on duty, Emma continues to play a vital role in the removal of illegal and dangerous substances—making her a key player in the department’s proactive approach to crime prevention and community safety.

When she’s off duty, Emma enjoys relaxing with her canine sisters, Sofia and Izabella, swimming, and playing outdoors. Whether she’s conducting a sweep or chasing a ball in the yard, Emma brings enthusiasm and loyalty to everything she does.

Emma is not only a decorated detection dog—she’s a valued partner, a trusted teammate, and a beloved member of the USF community.

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K-9 Chief

Specialty: Explosive Detection & Narcotics Detection
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Date of Birth: November 6, 2022
Date Joined USFPD: July 1, 2025
Handler: Officer Gabe Escobar
Certifications: International Police Working Dog Association (IPWDA) 
 

K-9 Chief was born in Montana in November 2022 and later traveled to North Carolina, where he underwent specialized training with K2 – K-9 Solutions. Trained to detect the odors of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and MDMA, Chief is certified in both explosive detection and narcotics detection—making him a versatile and highly valuable asset to the ×îÐÂÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Police Department.

Partnered with Officer Gabe Escobar, Chief plays a vital role in keeping the USF community safe while also providing support to surrounding partner agencies during joint operations. His skill set and adaptability make him an important contributor to law enforcement efforts both on and off campus.

Whether working a large campus event or assisting another agency in the field, K-9 Chief brings focus, precision, and dedication to every task—reinforcing his place as a trusted member of the USFPD K-9 Unit.

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K-9 Scout

Specialty: Explosive Ordnance Detection (E.O.D.)
Breed: German Short-Haired Pointer
Date of Birth: May 14, 2024
Date Joined USFPD: July 1, 2025
Handler: Officer Frankie Rodriguez-Soto
Certifications: International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA)

K-9 Scout is among the newest members of the ×îÐÂÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Police Department’s K-9 Unit. Born on May 14, 2024, Scout officially joined USFPD on July 1, 2025, as a certified Explosive Ordnance Detection (E.O.D.) K-9, trained to detect a wide range of explosive threats with accuracy and focus.

Scout was acquired and trained through K2 – K-9 Solutions, a trusted provider of working dogs for law enforcement. He was certified by the International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA)—which highlights his high level of readiness and professional training.

Partnered with Officer Frankie Rodriguez-Soto, Scout has quickly become a vital part of USFPD’s safety operations. Their bond grows stronger each day as they train, patrol, and work together to support campus security efforts. Scout exemplifies the next generation of highly skilled detection K-9s—alert, dependable, and ready to serve.

When off duty, Scout is lively and affectionate. He enjoys playing fetch, running outdoors, and spending time with his four-legged siblings at home. He thrives on daily activities—sometimes cooling off with a playful run through the backyard sprinkler. Scout also loves his toys, especially when he gets the chance to chase and carry them around.

Scout is not only a dedicated working dog, but also a playful and affectionate companion—bringing both professionalism and personality to the USF Police Department.

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K-9 Chase

Specialty: Explosive Ordnance Detection (E.O.D.)
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Date of Birth: May 14, 2024
Date Joined USFPD: July 1, 2025
Handler: Officer Robert Gross
Certification: International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA)

K-9 Chase is one of the two newest members of the ×îÐÂÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Police Department’s K-9 Unit. Born on May 14, 2024, Chase began his career with USFPD on July 1, 2025, as a certified Explosive Ordnance Detection (E.O.D.) K-9, trained to detect a broad range of explosive threats with accuracy and focus.

Chase was trained through K2 – K-9 Solutions, a trusted provider of working dogs for law enforcement. He holds certification from the International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA), underscoring his exceptional preparedness and rigorous training.

Partnered with Officer Robert Gross, Chase has quickly become a vital part of USFPD’s operations. Their bond grows stronger every day through training, patrols, and security assignments, making them an effective and cohesive team. Chase represents the next generation of highly skilled detection K-9s—alert, motivated, and always ready to serve.

When off duty, Chase is full of energy and affection. He enjoys spending time with the Gross family, running outdoors, playing, and being with his other animal siblings at home.

K-9 Chase is not only a dedicated working dog, but also a cherished member of both the Gross family and the USF Police Department.