The Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) is proud to announce an outstanding performance by K9 Zeke and his handler, Sergeant Jory Shoopman, at the United States Police Canine Association certification trials held over Memorial Day weekend. The duo captured the coveted “Top Dog” award with a flawless performance, marking a significant milestone for the team.
Competing against highly skilled teams from across the region, K9 Zeke and Sergeant Shoopman earned a perfect score of 200 out of a possible 200 points and completed the certification search in just 3 minutes, 59 seconds. This victory marks Sergeant Shoopman’s first-ever perfect score in a certification event. K9 Zeke, an eight-year-old German Shepherd mix, is a single-purpose detection K9 known for his sharp focus and unwavering work ethic. Off duty, however, Zeke is happiest chasing a favorite ball and making new friends who are willing to offer a few scratches behind the ears.
The holiday weekend event also highlighted the exceptional talent and strong camaraderie within Wyoming’s law enforcement community, with the Albany County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) remaining neck and neck with WDOC throughout the competition. Taking a close second place was the ACSO team of Deputy Rebecka Lubbers and K9 Mattes. Demonstrating the high caliber of training in Albany County, Deputy Lubbers and K9 Mattes also achieved a perfect score of 200 points, completing their certification search in exactly 8 minutes.
K9 Mattes is a five-year-old German Shepherd narcotics detection dog who has been partnered with Deputy Lubbers for four years. When he isn’t keeping communities safe, Mattes enjoys a well-deserved game of tug. WDOC congratulates K9 Zeke and Sergeant Shoopman and Deputy Lubbers and K9 Mattes for their outstanding representation of Wyoming law enforcement and their shared commitment to excellence in K9 detection.
