The Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) recently concluded the 22nd Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo with a Scottsdale Police dog taking top honors in the tough dog category.

More than 70 teams from across the country traveled to compete in the largest canine competition in the world, according to a press release.

The top place finishers were:

• Top dog: The team with the highest combined scores from all challenges during the two-day competition was officer Ben Waibel and canine Dex, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
• Tough dog: A specialty competition that takes the 12 hardest hitting dogs of the weekend. The winners were officer Brent Patterson and canine Viggo, Scottsdale Police Department.
• Handler protection: The team with the highest scores for handler protection, testing how officers and their dogs work together in a series of obstacles testing communication, apprehension and speed. The winners were officer Keegan Smith and canine Vadar, Gilbert Police Department (2024 Winner).
• Tactical challenge: The team with the highest scores in the tactical challenge obstacle, conducted with an unfamiliar and challenging course. The winners were officer Mo Suarez and canine Nick, Mesa Police Department.

• Area search: The team with the highest scores in the area search challenge, testing the dogs’ and officers’ on speed and execution of an area search. The winners were: officer Jameson Spies and canine Rolls, Ventura, California Police Department
• Building search: The team with the highest scores in the building search challenge, which is conducted at an off site location. The winners were officer Anthony Mennella and canine Savage.
• Tacticl Obedience : The team with the highest scores in the tactical obedience challenge with the popular “doc diving.” The winners were officer Ben Waibel and canine Dex, Coconino County Sherriff’s Office.
• Narcotic detection: The team with the highest scores in the narcotic detection section of the trials, testing dogs on detecting narcotics in unfamiliar areas and surroundings. The winners were officer Kevin Drummond and canine Ralph, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
• Explosive ordinance detection: The team with the highest scores in the explosive ordnance detection section of the trials, testing dogs in detecting explosive odors in buildings, vehicles and open areas. The winners were officer Ernie Mendoza and canine Wilbur, Las Vegas Bomb Squad.
• Team patrol agency: The law enforcement agency with the highest average combined scores of all canine teams participating in the patrol sections of the trials. The winner was the Mesa Police Department.
• Team detection agency: The law enforcement agency with the highest average combined scores of all canine teams competing in the narcotics and Explosive ordinance detection sections. The winner was the Mesa Police Department.
• Top overall agency: The law enforcement agency with the highest average combined scores for all participating canine teams during the competition. The winner was the Mesa Police Department.