K9 Unit | City of Satellite Beach

The integration of canine units in law enforcement agencies has evolved far beyond traditional roles of patrol and detection. Today, police departments leverage the unique capabilities of their K9 units to serve diverse functions, each tailored to specific needs within the community. The Satellite Beach Police Department includes three canines, each offering invaluable contributions: K9 Strider, a vigilant patrol dog; Therapy K9 Layla, providing comfort and support; K9 Walsh, the newest patrol dog and Beans, the Communications Unit's steadfast comfort dog. Together, they exemplify the versatility and compassion that modern K9 units bring to the forefront of public service.

Sergeant John Housman & K9 Strider

The Satellite Beach Police Department proudly fields one police K-9 team: Sergeant John Housman and his partner, K-9 Strider. Acquired in January 2021, Strider entered service that March after completing a 160-hour K-9 drug school hosted by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Since then, Sgt. Housman and Strider have earned recognition from the North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA), achieving certifications in drug detection, evidence searches, tracking, and obedience in 2021 and 2022. They also hold current certification in drug detection through the National Narcotics Detector Dog Association (NNDDA). Strider is trained to detect and alert to the odors of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and MDMA, and he has proven reliable in both training and real-world deployments.

Beyond narcotics detection, Strider supports investigations by locating discarded or hidden items connected to crimes and by tracking fleeing suspects or missing persons across varied terrain—including concrete, grass, sand, and gravel—using a combination of human scent and ground-disturbance cues. He can methodically search large areas for individuals, providing officers with a safe, efficient way to clear spaces and locate those in need or those attempting to evade capture. His alerts provide probable cause that can move investigations forward and help keep contraband off our streets.

School Resource Officer Corporal Jay Bergeron & Therapy K9 Layla

K9 Layla holds the distinction of being the first Therapy K9 at the Satellite Beach Police Department. As the School Resource Officer at Satellite High School (SHS), SRO Cpl. Bergeron fulfills his primary duty of maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for students, teachers, and staff.

Beyond law enforcement, Cpl. Bergeron also serves as a mentor, educator, and informal counselor within the school community. Recognizing the need to enhance student well-being and connect with those facing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges, Cpl. Bergeron pioneered the Therapy K9 program at SHS.

Under his initiative, SRO Cpl. Bergeron adopted Layla, a mixed breed dog from the county animal shelter, and together they completed training at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office “Paws and Stripes College,” graduating in June 2023 as a certified "Multi Discipline Therapy K9 Team." Layla also earned the "AKC Canine Good Citizen" distinction. In just a short time, Therapy K9 Layla made a big difference at SHS. She is an expert at calming students who are stressed or struggling to manage big emotions. She supports students' well-being, promotes a sense of belonging in school, reduces stress and anxiety, and even facilitates learning. K9 Layla has also built a bridge for Cpl. Bergeron to create rapport with students who may have been reluctant to talk to him.

In June 2024, K9 Layla achieved the "AKC Therapy Dog Excellent" title. Beyond her duties at SHS, Layla joins Cpl. Bergeron on patrol and frequently engages in community activities, promoting the benefits of therapy canines in public safety.

Officer Emma Graham & K9 Walsh

K9 Walsh is a one-year-old Belgian Malinois serving with the Satellite Beach Police Department K9 Unit under the direction of his handler, Officer Graham. The partnership between K9 Walsh and Officer Graham began in October 2024 following an immediate connection during the selection process. K9 Walsh approached Officer Graham, took hold of the leash that was sitting next to her, brought it over to her, and placed it in her lap, signifying the start of their working relationship.

K9 Walsh is trained in narcotics detection and article tracking, and he plays an integral role in supporting the department’s mission to maintain safety and security within the community. In addition to his operational duties, K9 Walsh enjoys participating in community outreach events. His favorite activity is visiting local schools, where he demonstrates his skills for students and staff and receives plenty of well-deserved attention from both children and teachers.

K9 Walsh was named in honor of Deputy Austin Walsh of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, who tragically lost his life in an off-duty incident in 2022. Deputy Walsh was a close friend of Officer Graham, and K9 Walsh proudly carries his name as a tribute to his service, sacrifice, and friendship.

K9 Walsh and Officer Graham continue to serve the Satellite Beach Police Department with professionalism, dedication, and integrity, proudly representing the department’s values while honoring the legacy of those who have served before them.

Communications Comfort K9 Beans

Everyone knows the saying, "a dog is a man's best friend." We couldn't agree more! Research proves that dogs provide invaluable benefits to humans as service dogs, working dogs, therapy dogs, and as emotional support dogs.

When Dispatch Supervisor Megan Roane presented the idea of launching a "communications comfort dog" program, she came prepared with documented information on how comfort dog programs in police departments positively impact the sworn officers, dispatchers, and support personnel. With the support of Chief Pearson, Dispatch Supervisor Roane began the search for the perfect "Communications Unit Comfort Dog".

Shortly after, Mutty Paws Rescue posted a picture of an adorable pup on their Facebook page. Dispatch Supervisor Roane travelled to meet the pup with a hunch that this dog was the perfect fit for our program.

In July of 2023, that Mutty Paws Rescue pup joined our department as the new Communications Unit Comfort Dog and named "Beans". Beans has been warming our hearts and melting stress away ever since. He has proven to be another resource to improve coping, enhance moral, decrease stress, and reduce the daily stressors inherent in the law enforcement occupation.