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Competition

Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo returns to WestWorld Oct. 22–23

Posted 9/16/22

Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale Saturday, Oct. 22–23 for a thrilling action-packed competition, featuring heroic K9s, their police …

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Competition

Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo returns to WestWorld Oct. 22–23

Posted

Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale Saturday, Oct. 22–23 for a thrilling action-packed competition, featuring heroic K9s, their police handlers showcasing active duty skills and Halloween festivities and entertainment.

The event goes from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday, according to a press release.

The Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center at WestWorld will offer fans the experience to witness the bravery, courage and talent of K9s and their handlers through on-field obstacles that replicate real-life crime challenges experienced on the front lines. There will be tactical challenges and handler protection obstacles such as barriers for jumping and vehicle extractions. Trophies will be presented to first, second and third place teams.

Tony Sanborn, president of Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association, said in the release, “Courage beyond instinct is what separates a K9 police dog from furry friends at home. The competition will put this courage and talent of K9s and their handlers on display for fans to witness firsthand. We are very excited for our amazing law enforcement teams to compete at WestWorld.”

An opening ceremony with Colin’s K9 Dream will kick off the event Saturday, followed by action-packed competition all weekend with more than 70 teams of law enforcement and their K9 partners. Law enforcement are not the only strong and brave heroes who make a difference in the world. Colin, a spirited and courageous young boy, displayed these attributes in his battle with a rare form of terminal cancer. Colin’s story inspired the creation of Colin’s K9 Dream, a ceremonial tribute which provided him with the opportunity to be a “policeman for a day” before his untimely passing.

To honor Colin’s bravery through his battle with cancer, his father selected the 2022 recipient of Colin’s K9 Dream honor, 10-year-old Luke who is challenged with T-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Cancer. He will be given the same opportunity Colin experienced.

ALECA will fly Luke and members of his family to WestWorld via helicopter, followed by a drive in an armored vehicle through the complex and then to the opening ceremony. Dressed in a custom-made honorary police uniform, Luke will have full authority on the field as he is invited to release the leash of a K9 and give the command to take down a decoy.

In addition, the event offers Halloween Trunk or Treat for children, helicopter flyovers, public safety demonstration and display, and a large variety of vendors offering food and early holiday shopping. The public safety expo will give a sneak peek into the lives of first responders with a display of rescue equipment, police, SWAT and fire vehicles.

Andrew Carlsson, director of operations for ALECA, said in the release, “Fans of our K9s are in for a treat at this action-packed competition. We have an incredible amount of fun and exciting entertainment this year that I know people will love. ALECA trains these K9s to have a great sense of control, and this will be tested on the field.”

For convenient and efficient entry to WestWorld, the two access points are 94th Street and Bell Road or Bahia off Pima Frontage Road.

Tickets cost $5, children age 12 and under are free. For tickets and more, visit AlecaPoliceK9.com or follow on Facebook @AZPoliceK9, Instagram and Twitter @alecaK9.