Plano Police Department marks major firsts with K-9 Unit additions

The Plano Police Department recently celebrated two historic milestones in its K-9 Unit: the appointment of its first female K-9 handler and the introduction of its first explosives detection K-9.

Officer Sara Leos: Breaking Barriers as Plano's First Female K-9 Handler  

Officer Sara Leos has made history as the first female K-9 handler for the Plano Police Department. A member of the department since 2014, Officer Leos began her career as a Public Safety Officer before transitioning to Police Recruit in 2015. Over the years, she gained extensive experience on patrol, served as a Field Training Officer and worked with the High Visibility Unit.  

In May 2024, Officer Leos was selected for the K-9 Unit, making history as the first female K-9 handler in Plano. Her K-9 partner, Teo (pronounced Tay-Oh), is a 14-month-old Belgian Malinois/Shepherd mix trained in narcotics detection and patrol for dual purposes. Together, they form a dynamic team dedicated to serving the Plano community.

"As the first female K-9 handler, I am incredibly grateful to everyone who recognized my passion and determination to wear this uniform alongside a K-9 partner,” Leos said. "The support I received on this journey has been acknowledged and appreciated beyond words. Being the first female handler is both exhilarating and fulfilling. I hope other women have access to the same kind of support to help them achieve their aspirations!"

Having a K-9 partner brings numerous advantages, as the bond formed between the canine and the handler is unparalleled. It is widely acknowledged that a dog’s sense of smell is one of the most significant assets in police work. This extraordinary sense is utilized extensively to assist in finding narcotics, locating individuals, and identifying objects like weapons that may be discarded after a crime. 

Officer Leos also encourages officers aspiring to join the K-9 Unit to engage with the team and consider serving as a decoy.

"Engage with the unit. Serving as a decoy was one of the best choices I made. Through this role, you gain insight into what police canines need to thrive and help build their confidence in various situations. Additionally, it provides a valuable opportunity to connect with handlers and learn from their experiences."

K-9 Jagger: Plano's First Explosives Detection Canine

Joining the department alongside K-9 Teo is K-9 Jagger, Plano PD's first dual-purpose patrol and explosives detection canine. A two-year-old Dutch Shepherd from Germany, K-9 Jagger is trained to locate explosives while also assisting with patrol duties.  

K-9 Jagger’s partner, Officer Bradley Vaughn, highlights the dog’s playful personality and enthusiasm for his work. Whether chasing toys or conducting explosives detection sweeps, K-9 Jagger embodies the dedication and skill that have become hallmarks of the Plano Police Department's K-9 Unit.  

The addition of Officer Leos and K-9 Teo, along with Officer Vaughn and K-9 Jagger, represents significant enhancements to the capabilities of the Plano Police Department. These teams not only bring advanced detection skills but also strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community.  

The Plano Police Department remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for its residents, and these historic firsts in the K-9 Unit are a testament to the department's ongoing dedication to excellence.