The kindness of friends.
Your contribution to K-9 Friends – no matter how small – makes a big difference for our heroes, their safety and the security of our community.
Corporal Scott Kelly
Corporal Scott Kelly started his career in law enforcement in 2018 with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. After working in the Detentions and Patrol Division, he was selected to be a K-9 handler in September of 2023, where he was paired with his first dog, Onyx. Together, they attended training at Gold Coast K-9 and graduated in November of 2023.
K-9 Officer Onyx
Born: July 2, 2021 – Netherlands
Breed: Belgian Tervuren
Start Date: November 7, 2023
Training: Patrol Work / Narcotics Detection
Specialty: Narcotics
Hobbies: Making it difficult for dad to brush him
“Onyx is a motivated fur ball who does not stop working (or shedding). It's been an absolute joy working with my new partner and learning from each other.” ~ Corporal Scott Kelly
Deputy Ian Austin
Deputy Ian Austin began his Law Enforcement Career in 2008 with the Adams County Sheriff's Office. His career continued with the Frederick Police Department and then the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in 2023. He has served as a K9 handler since 2011. He became a K-9 trainer in 2020. He raised K-9 Nyx from a puppy and began training her as an explosive detection dog in 2023. Nyx is the daughter of Deputy Austin's first K-9 partner Baron.
K-9 Officer Nyx
Born: March 25, 2020 – Broomfield, CO
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Start Date: October 2023
Training: Explosive Detection
Specialty: Fired Guns and Shell casings
Hobbies: Wrestling with her puppy
“Working with Nyx is a dream come true, she is an amazing partner, and being able to work with the daughter of my first police dog is truly something special.” ~ Deputy Ian Austin
Sergeant Tim Van Noordt
Sergeant Tim Van Noordt is a Colorado native. He started his career in law enforcement in 2010 with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. After working in the Detentions and Patrol Division he was selected to be a K-9 handler in August of 2017 where he was paired with his first dog, Mako. Together they attended training at Gold Coast K-9 and hit the streets in November of 2017. K-9 Mako is a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix who was born in Slovakia.
K-9 Officer Mako
Born: May 13, 2016
Breed: German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois Mix
Start Date: 2017
Training: Patrol Work / Narcotics Detection
Specialty: Building Searches
Hobbies: Sleeping on top of his kennel instead of inside it
“Mako has the biggest personality on the team. That dog never sits still and would best be described as part kangaroo.” ~ Deputy Tim Van Noordt
Deputy James Stiltner
Deputy James Stiltner began his law enforcement career in 2016 with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. From 2021 to 2024, he served as a K-9 handler with his partner, K-9 Doc. In 2024, he joined the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and became a certified K-9 trainer with Cedar Creek Kennel. In February 2026, Deputy Stiltner was partnered with K-9 Dug, a Belgian Malinois born in Germany.
K-9 Officer Dug
Born: October 15, 2023
Breed: Belgian Malinois
Start Date: April 2026
Training: Patrol Work / Narcotics Detection
Specialty: Tracking and Patrol Work
Hobbies: Playing with any type of ball
“Dug is the newest member of the team and he has a lot of energy. He’s a quick learner, loves to work, and is eager to please. He won’t stop until the job is done.” ~ Deputy James Stiltner
Deputy Gage Walpole
Deputy Gage Walpole started his law enforcement career in 2016 with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. After working detentions, he was transferred to patrol in 2018. Deputy Walpole was selected to be a K-9 handler in 2024 and was paired with K-9 Grogu in March of 2025. Together, they completed training at Torchlight K-9.
K-9 Officer Grogu
Born: August 22, 2022 – Germany
Breed: German Shepherd
Start Date: 2025
Training: Patrol Work / Narcotics Detection
Specialty: Narcotics
Hobbies: He finds joy in knocking over anything and everything.
“Working with Grogu has been an amazing experience. He loves getting toys deep enough in his mouth that he can still give dad nibbles (of love) with his front teeth when least expected. ” ~ Deputy Gage Walpole
Coming Soon
Deputy Hondray Simmons
Deputy Simmons was born and raised in Colorado. He began his law enforcement career in 2020 with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, where he served in Detentions before transferring to Patrol. In 2024, he joined the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, where he continued his patrol career. In May 2026, he was selected as a K-9 Handler and partnered with K-9 Rone, a black German Shepherd. Together, they trained at DCSO’s in-house academy.
K-9 Officer Rone
Born: Germany
Breed: German Shepherd
Start Date: 2026
Training: Patrol Work / Narcotics Detection
Specialty: Tracking and Narcotics
Hobbies: Olympic-level competitive barking
“With unmatched drive and a playful spirit, Rone brings power and personality to the team that is laser focused, unless it’s time for his award winning bark routine.” ~ Deputy Hondray Simmons
