Cheyenne Police Celebrate Retirement of K-9s Maverick, Pavel, and Tyler

After a combined 21 years of service, three veteran K-9 officers with the Cheyenne Police Department are now officially retired.

A special retirement ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon, June 4, at the Cheyenne Public Safety Center for Maverick, Pavel, and Tyler, with city officials, members of the department, and families in attendance.

Dispatchers from the Laramie County Combined Communications Center prepared gift bags with handmade quilts for each K-9 team.

Cheryl Walsh, founder of the Sean M. Walsh K-9 Memorial Foundation, provided the food.

And the Wyoming Police Service Dog Association presented Officer Pat Johnston with a special plaque to recognize his long-standing partnership with Pavel.

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K-9 Service Highlights

Initially partnered with Sgt. Eric Norris and later with Officer Ben Vapenik, Maverick served for six years, contributing to more than 300 citations and nearly 200 arrests.

His work led to the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs and multiple firearms.

Pavel, the department’s longest-serving K-9 with nine years of service, performed nearly 1,700 drug searches.

His extensive career included over 350 arrests, 700 citations, and key support in patrol operations.

In 2023, Pavel and Johnston earned “Top Scoring Overall K-9 Team” and “Top Scoring Narcotics K-9 Team” at the WPSDA annual certification.

RELATED: Cheyenne Police K-9 Team Wins 2 Major Awards During Annual Certification

Tyler served alongside Officer Lisa Koeppel for six years.

She conducted over 400 drug searches and was responsible for the seizure of more than 1,300 pounds of illegal drugs.

Tyler and Koeppel were also recognized with top honors at the 2022 WPSDA annual certification, earning “Top Scoring Overall K-9 Team” and “Top Scoring Patrol K-9 Team.”

RELATED: Cheyenne Police K-9 Team Wins Two Major Awards

The three dogs will now enjoy well-earned retirements at home with their long-time handlers.

"We’re incredibly proud of these dogs," said Chief Mark Francisco.

"While it is difficult to see them leave, they’ve certainly earned retirements in the care of their handlers," he added. "We are grateful for their efforts in keeping our community safe."

A New Pack Takes the Lead

With the retirement of Maverick, Pavel, and Tyler, the CPD is proud to introduce the next generation of K-9 officers -- Zeke, Rogue, and Tuco.

These newly certified dogs joined the department earlier this year and are now ready to continue the legacy of excellence established by their predecessors.

RELATED: Meet the Newest Furry Members of the Cheyenne Police Department

During the ceremony, Chief Francisco presented them with their official police badges.