Meet K9 Tuco
Supporting public safety through partnership, trust, and community engagement
Officer Profile: K9 Tuco
Basics
K9’s Name:
Tuco
Tuco
Breed:
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois
Age:
3 years
3 years
Years of Service:
1.5 years
1.5 years
Handler’s Name:
Darion Ives
Darion Ives
K9’s Official Role(s):
Patrol (apprehension & tracking), Narcotics.
Patrol (apprehension & tracking), Narcotics.
On The Job
What is your K9 especially good at?
Finding narcotics and tracking.
Finding narcotics and tracking.
What kind of training does your K9 do regularly?
Obedience, patrol, and narcotics detection.
Obedience, patrol, and narcotics detection.
What is something most people don’t realize about police K9s?
Most have the ability to flip a switch from “work mode” to “home mode.”
Most have the ability to flip a switch from “work mode” to “home mode.”
What does your K9 love most about working?
“Getting paid” (rewarded with his toy).
“Getting paid” (rewarded with his toy).
What’s one moment on duty that really showed what a great partner your K9 is?
Tuco was clearing a building on an active burglary. He entered a room on the second story and fell through the ceiling. I was able to get to him and check if he was injured. He immediately started wagging his tail when he saw me and tried to jump up for a hug. After doing a once-over to check if he was visibly injured (he was not), we continued clearing the building. Tuco has always displayed his passion to work and is fearless while doing so.
Tuco was clearing a building on an active burglary. He entered a room on the second story and fell through the ceiling. I was able to get to him and check if he was injured. He immediately started wagging his tail when he saw me and tried to jump up for a hug. After doing a once-over to check if he was visibly injured (he was not), we continued clearing the building. Tuco has always displayed his passion to work and is fearless while doing so.
Off Duty Fun
When your K9 is off duty, what is their favorite thing to do?
Hang out with his brothers and sister.
Hang out with his brothers and sister.
Favorite toy:
Glow-in-the-dark ball.
Glow-in-the-dark ball.
Favorite treat:
Yogurt-covered raspberries, celery, and watermelon
Yogurt-covered raspberries, celery, and watermelon
Does your K9 have any funny habits or quirks?
Tuco will chatter his teeth rapidly when he is excited or anticipating something he likes. He sleeps every night on his back, with his legs straight up in the air (I'm not sure how that’s comfortable).
Tuco will chatter his teeth rapidly when he is excited or anticipating something he likes. He sleeps every night on his back, with his legs straight up in the air (I'm not sure how that’s comfortable).
If your K9 had a “job” outside of police work, what do you think it would be?
Olympic sprinter.
Olympic sprinter.
Personality & Favorites (Kid-Friendly!)
Three words that describe your K9:
Fearless, Loyal, and Handsome.
Fearless, Loyal, and Handsome.
Is your K9 more serious or playful?
At work, he is all business, and at home, he is the goofiest dog I have had.
At work, he is all business, and at home, he is the goofiest dog I have had.
Would you say your K9 is more:
☐ Early riser
☐ Night owl
☑ Always ready to work
☐ Early riser
☐ Night owl
☑ Always ready to work
Does your K9 like meeting kids? What do they do when kids are around?
Unfortunately, Tuco cannot directly interact with kids, but he loves showing off for them at our demonstrations!
Unfortunately, Tuco cannot directly interact with kids, but he loves showing off for them at our demonstrations!
Teamwork
What makes your partnership with your K9 special?
The bond I have created with Tuco is something I never imagined was possible. I know he undoubtably has my back and I have his.
The bond I have created with Tuco is something I never imagined was possible. I know he undoubtably has my back and I have his.
How does your K9 communicate with you when working?
He receives commands verbally, with hand signals, and "notes" from his E-collar.
He receives commands verbally, with hand signals, and "notes" from his E-collar.
What’s something your K9 has taught you?
Tuco is incredibly selfless; almost everything he does is for me and those around me. I think we could all be reminded to be more selfless and a little less selfish.
Tuco is incredibly selfless; almost everything he does is for me and those around me. I think we could all be reminded to be more selfless and a little less selfish.
Community Connection
What do you wish the community knew about police K9s?
They truly love having a job, and high-drive breeds like Belgian Malinois thrive when working. They can be destructive at home when they are not given a task.
They truly love having a job, and high-drive breeds like Belgian Malinois thrive when working. They can be destructive at home when they are not given a task.
How does community support help you and your K9 do your jobs better?
The support we get from the Cherry Hills Village community is truly astonishing. Tuco and I are provided with top-tier equipment, and whenever we need something new, our police foundation reaches out to residents, who always step up to make it happen. We’re both incredibly proud to serve this community.
The support we get from the Cherry Hills Village community is truly astonishing. Tuco and I are provided with top-tier equipment, and whenever we need something new, our police foundation reaches out to residents, who always step up to make it happen. We’re both incredibly proud to serve this community.
If your K9 could say one thing to the community, what would it be?
Thank you for all the love!
Thank you for all the love!
Just for Fun
If your K9 had a theme song, what would it be?
Finer Things - Post Malone
Finer Things - Post Malone
If your K9 were a superhero, what would their superpower be?
Teleportation
Teleportation
Who would win in a race: your K9 or you?
If I could run 30 mph, it might be a close race.
If I could run 30 mph, it might be a close race.
Finish this sentence:
My K9 is the best partner because…we are best buds.
My K9 is the best partner because…we are best buds.
Cherry Hills Village Police
Foundation
2450 East Quincy Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113
(720) 751-3900
