DHS Canine and Equine Governance Board (CEGB)

​The DHS Canine and Equine Governance Board (CEGB) facilitates the identification, development, and implementation of best practices across the Department while working to harmonize Component requirements for canines and equines. The Board's main objective is to ensure the Department can achieve greater policy coordination and implement innovative efficiencies that will ensure consistency and excellence for canine and equine programs throughout DHS.

Our Work

In May 2018, the Deputy Under Secretary for Management established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Canine and Equine Governance Board (CEGB) to facilitate the identification, development, and implementation of best practices across the Department while working to harmonize Component requirements for canines and horses. The effort is led by the DHS Headquarters (HQ) Canine and Equine Oversight Program under the Office of the Chief Readiness Support Officer (OCRSO).

The CEGB, chaired by the DHS Deputy Chief Readiness Support Officer, consists of Voting Members, SES-level or equivalent membership, for final approval and/or concurrence and Contributing Members, program managers and subject matter experts from impacted Components.

Ultimately, the CEGB will enable DHS to better meet mission requirements through greater Unity of Effort in ways that empower Components to efficiently deliver mission support and strengthen Department-wide capabilities.

K9 Memorial

DHS acknowledges and appreciates the importance of the work of our canines. These loyal companions have spent their lives to further the DHS mission, and we honor the sacrifice of all our DHS fallen canines.

In Memoriam of DHS Fallen K9s: 2020

K9 Mendy | 10/1/2008 – 6/19/2020

Transportation Security Administration
Handler: Officer Salvatore Lobrutto

K9 Mendy worked in Long Island, New York. K9 Mendy had surgery to remove a brain tumor on Wednesday 06/17/20 and she was put on a ventilator. Mendy passed away Friday evening on 06/19/2020 from complications related to her recent brain surgery after 10 years of service.

 

K9 Supi | 7/18/2009 – 4/26/2020

CBP, Office of Field Operations
Handler: S. Garza-Silva

NDD Supi CI-97 and her partner S. Garza-Silva were assigned to the Port of Columbus, New Mexico. Supi’s determined vigilance made her a relevant asset in advancing the port’s enforcement success. Supi served her community of New Mexico and West Texas by participating in numerous drug prevention, awareness and educational outreach programs. Supi entered retirement in June of 2015 and lived with CEO Garza-Silva and her family, including her K9 pals, Dozer and Molly. Supi will be missed by her partner and family, the port of Columbus, and CBP. Thank you for your service. Rest easy Supi CI-97.

Seizures: 26: Marijuana: 2,865 lbs. Methamphetamine: 1 lb. “For it is not just those with two legs who are born with a soul that has courage to wear the badge” – Nessic

 

K9 Raff | 10/13/20013 – 4/14/2020

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Marco Gamez

RAFF worked in Laredo Sector / Laredo South, Texas. On 2/10/2020, he was diagnosed with having MRSP (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Pseudintermedius). Due to medical complications, RAFF was put to rest on 4/14/2020.

 

K9 Roman | 5/20/2012 – 4/13/2020

Transportation Security Administration
Handler: Officer Salvatore Lobrutto

Roman worked at Nashville International Airport. On 4/7/2020, she had a high temperature and was lethargic. Due to medical complications, K9 Roman was put to rest on 4/13/2020.

 

K9 Scooby | 11/7/2011 – 3/20/2020

Transportation Security Administration
Handler: Paul B. Davenport (Chicago Police Dept.)

Scooby worked at Chicago O’Hare International Airport with the Chicago Police Department. Scooby was taken for emergency assessment to a specialist when he suddenly fell ill. He died on 3/30/2020 at the specialty veterinary office, likely due to a brain tumor after years of dutiful service.

In Memoriam of DHS Fallen K9s: 2019

K9 Jackie | 9/30/2013 – 12/29/20219

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Adriana Lara

Jackie worked in Colville (Spokane Sector), Washington. On 12/29/2019, the patrol vehicle K9 Jackie was riding in struck a patch of black ice, causing it to leave to the roadway and roll over several times down a steep embankment. Rescue personnel were able to extract K9 Jackie's handler and transport her to a local hospital with multiple injuries. K9 Jackie succumbed to his injuries at the scene. K9 Jackie had served with the United States Border Patrol for four years.

 

K9 Bulder | 1/12/2015 – 12/17/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Daniel Z. Alba

Bulder worked in El Paso, Texas. On 12/17/2019, agents with the United States Border Patrol's Special Operations Group were assisting other federal agents with serving a federal arrest warrant and search warrant on a wanted man.;’ The man failed to comply with instructions and K9 Bulder was released for an apprehension. The man opened fire with a handgun, killing K9 Bulder.

K9 Bulder had served with the United States Border Patrol for two years.

 

K9 Jace | 1/25/2012 – 11/27/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Justin Barnard

Jace worked in Tucson Sector/Casa Grande Station, Arizona. On 11/27/2019, Border Patrol Agent Barnard was returning to his station after an apprehension in the desert west of Casa Grande when K9 Jace collapsed in the vehicle kennel. K9 Jace was transported to a veterinary and emergency care center, where he was diagnosed with GDV. During surgery, it was discovered that irreversible damage had been done to various internal tissues and organs and K9 Jace was euthanized while under anesthesia.

 

K9 Arco | 5/1/2007 – 11/27/2019

Transportation Security Administration
Handler: Melvin Harris

Arco worked in Maryland Transit Administration, Maryland. K9 Arco had been under the care of a veterinarian for lack of appetite and a noticeable decrease in energy. Recent lab results showed he was anemic. At the recommendation of the vet, K9 Arco was taken to a veterinary hospital where a doctor performed a sonogram and found masses on Arco's spleen and a bleed into his stomach. Both vets believed this to be cancer. K9 Arco was put to rest on 11/27/2019.

 

K9 Szostak | 2/11/2016 – 10/13/2019

CBP, Office of Field Operations
Handler: David Pinon

Szostaki worked in El Paso Field Office, Texas. With primary Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), the dog's immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack its own red blood cells. This is the most common cause of anemia in dogs. A variety of drug therapies were used along with multiple blood transfusions, to no avail. K9 Szostaki was put to rest on 10/13/2019.

 

K9 Zico | 11/9/2010 – 10/8/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Oscar Ramirez

Zico worked in DRT/UVA, Uvalde, Texas. K9 Zico had to be humanely euthanized on 10/8/2019 after severe neurological problems left him immobile. The neurological deterioration was likely due to advanced Chagas Disease that affected the brain instead of the heart.

 

K9 Toffee | 4/3/2002 – 9/28/2019

CBP, Agriculture
Handler: CBP Agriculture Specialist Danielle Niosi

Toffee became part of the Beagle Brigade in 2004. Her original name was “Hanna.” She worked at SFO from March 2006 to January 2008 and April 2008 to February 2012 at EWR. Toffee enjoyed her retired life in Red Bank, NJ, Chicago and Toronto up until 16.5 years old. Due to medical complications, Toffee was put to rest on 9/28/19.

“Toffee taught me how to love unconditionally. She took me on so many walks and reminded me every day of the simple pleasures in life. Her service to our great nation will not be forgotten, and I will forever be grateful to have been her partner.”

 

K9 Carlito | 7/18/2014 – 9/11/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Not Provided

Carlito worked in Kingsville Station/RGV Sector, Texas. On 9/11/2019, K9 Carlito suddenly dropped and appeared to be having a seizure. He quickly then stopped and was unconscious. K9 Carlito’s handler attempted CPR but to no avail.

 

K9 Dar-A | 2/1/2012 – 8/16/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: SBPA Romeo R. Mejia

Szostaki worked in El Paso Field Office, Texas. With primary Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), the dog's immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack its own red blood cells. This is the most common cause of anemia in dogs. A variety of drug therapies were used along with multiple blood transfusions, to no avail. K9 Szostaki was put to rest on 10/13/2019.

 

K9 Isabell | 4/12/2010 – 8/5/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Christian Garcia

Isabell worked in ELC/CAX, California. On 8/5/2019, K9 Isabell’s handler noticed strong breathing while in vehicle and K9 collapsed. Handler gave chest compressions and K9 breathing restarted. On route to veterinarian, handler checked canine and noticed she was unresponsive. Resuscitation was unsuccessful and K9 Isabell passed away. Necropsy showed three types of cancer in three locations on K9 Isabell.

 

K9 Ppfiefer | 4/1/2009 – 7/13/2019

Transportation Security Administration
Handler: Edward Hempkens

Ppfiefer worked in St Louis Lambert International Airport, Missouri. K9 Ppfiefer began having complications on 7/13/2019. His handler, Officer Ed Hemkens took him to the vet. The vet did an x-ray and found a large mass on the pancreas, which was terminal cancer. The K9 began experiencing more serious issues, at which time the vet recommended to euthanize the dog. NEDCTP concurred with the veterinarian’s recommendation.

 

K9 Ozzy | 6/26/2015 – 7/8/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Kenny Pendell

K9 Ozzy was assigned to Border Patrol Agent (BPA) Kenny Pendell at the San Diego Sector, Chula Vista Station. On July 8, 2019, approximately 3:00 p.m. K9 Ozzy was humanely euthanized by veterinary staff due to multiple pulmonary abscesses consistent with Foxtail Migration.

 

K9 Bobo | 4/2/2016 – 6/13/2019

Transportation Security Administration
Handler: Gavin Bryant

Bobo worked in St Louis Lambert International Airport, Missouri. K9 Bobo’s handler took him to a local vet when he was lethargic and experienced loss of appetite. The attending emergency veterinarian diagnosed him with large cell lymphoma and recommended treatment. Evaluation by a CTC veterinarian was completed, and large cell lymphoma was confirmed. Canine was euthanized on-site on 6/13/2019.

 

K9 Edo | 7/18/2010 – 6/9/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Gerardo Acosta

Edo worked in ELC/ELS, El Centro, California. K9 Edo’s handler had noticed distention of the abdomen of his canine in late May 2019. A vet visit identified several tumors throughout the canine. Prognosis was that surgery would only prolong the life of the canine by weeks. The canine received palliative care at home for several days prior to handler returning the canine to the vet to be euthanized on 6/9/2019.

 

K9 Ozi | 4/14/2016 – 5/13/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Not Provided

Ozi worked in Special Operations Division/RGV Sector, Texas. On May 10, 2019, K9 Ozi was found to have a low blood platelet count. Medications were administered and canine was doing well. On the morning of May 13, 2019 K9 Ozi was found deceased in his kennel. The cause of death was immune disease, which caused hemorrhaging in all his internal organs.

 

K9 Liza | 3/16/2011 – 4/22/2019

Transportation Security Administration
Handler: Cara Ropp

Liza worked in Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Michigan. K9 Lisa passed aware on 4/22/2019 from medical complications, including hemorrhagic enterocolitis and chronic enteritis.

 

K9 Ryder | 6/1/2008 – 4/8/2019

US Coast Guard
Handler: ME1 Nick Antis

Coast Guard Canine Chief Petty Officer (CPO) RYDER, a Belgian Malinois, was born on 01 June 2008 and assigned to Maritime Enforcement Specialist First Class (ME1) Nick Antis at TSA’s Canine Training Center. He served diligently at Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Los Angeles/Long Beach and MSST New York from 2010 – 2019. On 03 April 2019, CPO Ryder was transported to the local veterinarian after his handler noticed he was lethargic and with little energy. The veterinary internal medicine specialist ran several labs on RYDER and determined that he did in fact have cancer. It was recommended by the veterinary specialist to euthanize RYDER as his condition was deteriorating rapidly and they could only provide pain management for the canine to minimize suffering. ME1 Nick Antis took RYDER home to spend his final days with his family (Antis family) and he was euthanized at 1100 on 08 April 2019.

“The bond of a hander and their K9 partner is unlike any most will truly understand. Their love unconditional and dedication limitless. Willing to go anywhere and do anything for their handler. I will be forever grateful to have had Ryder as my partner, friend and family member and the time we had together. I will always remember his huge smile and excitement when it was time to go to work.”

 

K9 Jager | 2/1/2012 – 3/29/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Arturo Garcia

Jager worked in DRT/EGS, Eagle Pass, Texas. K9 Jager collapsed and died after a successful tracking and apprehension in the Eagle Pass South Station AOR.

 

K9 Baron | 1/25/2017 – 3/11/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Mustafa Joseph

Baron worked in Presidio (Big Bend Sector), Texas. K9 Baron passed away on 3/11/2019 due to unknown causes. Necropsy was performed by local veterinarian and no determination was made.

 

K9 Rocky | 6/1/2009 – 1/19/2019

Transportation Security Administration
Handler: Kathleen Carozza

Rocky worked in Atlanta, GA. K9 Rocky was diagnosed with lymphoma prior to death and days before being euthanized was experiencing weakness and tachypnea at home. Handler brought the canine in to veterinarian for evaluation at which time the attending veterinarian stated the canine had a possibility of 1-3 months of time left. K9 Rocky was humanely euthanized on 1/19/2019.

 

K9 Skye | 1/11/2015 – 1/7/2019

CBP, US Border Patrol
Handler: Oscar Gonzalez

Skye worked in Tucson Sector/Nogales Station, Arizona. On January 2, 2019, K9 Skye was diagnosed with an aggressive form of liver cancer that was affecting lymph nodes proximate to the liver and gall bladder. Agent Gonzalez provided home hospice care for Skye until she died during the early morning hours of January 7, 2019.