The K9 Forensics Recovery Team possesses fifty years of combined experience in all aspects of criminal investigation and thirty years of combined experience in the field of canine handling. Our team is made up of law enforcement professionals, one master canine trainer and one civilian canine team trainer from the Tampa Bay area.While most large law enforcement agencies have canine teams to locate missing persons, tracking and detaining criminal suspects and detecting illicit drugs, we found that most were not prepared for human remains detection or forensics work.
It is the goal of the K9 Forensics Recovery Team to work hand-in-hand with Law Enforcement officials as an additional investigative tool in the field of canine forensics. All of our canine handler teams are certified and trained exclusively in the field of human remains detection and the recovery of forensic evidence.
Our team currently is a public supported team. We received donations from putting on golf tournaments and soliciting contributions from businesses. The funds received will help us purchase equipment, go to training seminars and pay for travel and lodging for searches. Our work directly reflects the community we live in and surrounding communities within this state or region. We will travel to assist any Law Enforcement agency if requested. We do not charge for our services when called upon.
Ruger's Ace in the hole "Ruger"
AKC German Shepherd
"Ruger" & Mary Peter, CMDT
Mary Peter and K9 Ruger are NNDDA certified in land, rubble, forensics evidence, water recovery, vehicle, and building searches.
(Email) swdogtraining@aol.com
K9 Forensics Team, K9 Sophie - Troy Fergueson's Canine Partner Needs Your Help
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K9
Forensics Recovery Team Our community has
called upon K-9 Sophie on countless occasions over the past
six years to locate victims of homicides,
NOW OUR “SOPHIE” FACES HER OWN LIFE THREATENING CRISIS AND NEEDS THE COMMUNITY TO COME TO HER AID!
On May 5, 2008 K9 Sophie was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma, an inoperable cancer in her urethra. A few years ago this kind of diagnosis would spell the tragic end of a canine’s life. However, thanks to advancements in modern medicine at the University of Florida, Gainesville K-9 Sophie’s life can be spared and she can once again return to service as a forensic canine!
The procedure and five follow-up radiation treatments are very costly! Medical care once completed will total $13,000. I am not able to place a value on the life of my loyal companion and search partner. She is a member of our family, still in her prime, and a certified mission ready forensic K-9 with many good years of search work in her future with the community’s help. Please help the K9 Forensics Recovery Team save our Sophie’s life by making a tax deductible donation to the “Save Our Sophie” (SOS) Fund. Checks may be made out to the K-9 Forensics Recovery Team memo to earmark the SOS fund. Please take a moment to learn more about the K9 Forensic Team by visiting our website. Contact Troy or Laura Fergueson directly at the numbers and address provided below.
Troy Fergueson
(727) 243 –
7711 Troy
Email: thesarge011@verizon.net
(HOME EMAIL)
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As
many of you know my K9 partner (Sophie) and I are among
the three co-founding members of the K9 Forensics Recovery
Team. We were recently honored by proclamation of the
county commission for our work in the community. We are
all law enforcement officers with certified forensic K9
partners specializing in the recovery of victims from
homicide, natural disasters, and personal tragedy. My
faithful companion (Sophie) has many finds to her credit
– I have watched families break down (cry) and hug
my dog after locating a drowning victim. I have watched
the look of relief and closure on family members when
Sophie found the remains of a homicide victim buried in
a wooded area in Hudson – today the mans awaits execution
for his crime. 
natural
disasters, and personal tragedies – she has answered
the call every time!
Mary has been training dogs professionally since 1987 and owns Stillwater Dog Training, Inc., a dog obedience-training center in Brooksville, Florida. Mary is a graduate of National K9 (a college accredited school for Dog Trainers) and is certified as a Master Dog Trainer in the fields of basic and advanced obedience, personal protection, tracking, utility, police K9, retrieval, assistance dog training and kennel management. Mary and her K9 Ruger are also certified in the detection of human remains.
Mary specializes in the field of canine behavior and is recognized in the 2002-2003 National Register’s Who’s Who for her continuing efforts and success in the field of dog training and behavior counseling. Veterinarians in several counties recommend her for her expertise in training and behavior management. Mary and her K9 Ruger have worked together to accomplish several titles, i.e., CGC, CD, TDI, TT, SAR. Mary is also the founder and K9 trainer for the K9 Forensics Recovery Team, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that specializes in the detection of human remains and forensics evidence. Mary was awarded "Bay News 9 2005 Everyday Hero Award".
“Cali” & Sam Pepenella
Sam Pepenella & Cali are NNDDA certified in land, rubble and forensics evidence recovery.
(Email) sam@k9forensicsteam.com
Sam Pepenella
Sam’s Law Enforcement Career started in 1987 in the United States Airforce as a Security Police. After completing active service, Sam gained employment with Port Richey Police Department as a Dispatcher and Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police. After earning his Florida Law Enforcement Certification, Sam gained employment at Pasco County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. Sam has been working at PSO since 1992. Sam has been assigned to District Patrol, Secondary Victims Unit and is currently assigned to the Community Policing Team. Some of Sam’s professional certificates include; numerous basic law enforcement classes, Instructor Techniques, Field Training Officer and Advanced Field Training Officer and is also a recipient of the Medal of Valor. Sam has been working with the K9 Forensics team for just over 4 years. His passion for this work is such that he has made it part of his every day life. He looks forward to continuing this work with his partner Cali and the K9 Forensics Recovery Team.
Carondelet Sophie Alexandra
AKC Labrador Retriever Born 12-02-00
K-9 “Sophie” & Troy Fergueson
Troy Fergueson & Sophie are NNDDA certified in land, rubble and forensics evidence recovery
Email: thesarge011@verizon.net or tfergueson@pascosheriff.orgTroy Fergueson began his law enforcement career in October 1993 with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office as a transportation deputy and also served on the Sheriff’s Operational Response team. In January 1995, he was hired by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department as a patrol officer. While employed at CMPD Troy received extensive training on community oriented policing. Troy was hired by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in 1999, and was quickly assigned to the community policing unit where he coordinated and managed a pilot project intended to introduce true community policing to the neighborhoods of Pasco County. In 2003, he was appointed as operations administrative Corporal for the PCSO where his responsibilities include homeland security, the sheriff’s office evolution to a “community policing agency” concept and program development, crime prevention through environmental design applications, and maintenance of accreditation standards. In 2006 Troy Fergueson was promoted to the Rank of Sergeant and supervises the Crime Prevention Bureau, Non-Emegency Services, and Volunteers in Policing (VIPS) Program. In November of 2001 Troy became one of the founding members of the K9 Forensics Recovery Team. He along with his K9 partner “Sophie”, has been training in the field of human remains detection. In February of 2003 “Sophie” was certified, and has been involved in several searches for state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Jake and Abbie’s Lone Lobo
AKC German Shepherd, Born August 1, 2001
K9 “Lobo” & Kenneth N. Petrillo
Kenneth Petriollo & Lobo are NNDDA certified in land, rubble and forensics evidence recovery.
Email: polluxcastor@tampabay.rr.com
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Certified Human Remains Detection Dog
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Basic Obedience
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Advanced Obedience
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CGC Canine Good Citizen
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Current on going training in K-9 Forensics
Ken Petrillo’s Law Enforcement career started with his father, Ken Petrillo Sr. who is a retired NYPD Officer. Upon moving to Florida, Ken enrolled at University of Florida and ultimately graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology in 1995. Ken then enrolled at PHCC Law Enforcement Academy and obtained his Florida State Law Enforcement Certificate. In 1996 he was hired by Pasco County Sheriff’s Office as a Law Enforcement Deputy. During his employment with the Sheriff’s Office, he has been a Field Training Officer, assigned as a Detective in the Juvenile Investigations Unit, a Corporal in the School Resource Unit, a K9 Handler and is currently assigned to the agency’s Street Crimes Unit, a street level narcotics and proactive law enforcement unit. He has been named Deputy of the Quarter on two occasions, received a Life Saving award and Medal of Valor.
“Lobo”
Lobo’s certifications are: C.G.C. (Canine Good Citizen), Basic and advanced Obedience, Certified in Human Remains Detection.
German Shepherd / Belgium Malinois
K-9 Koda and Harold “J.R.” Hutchinson Jr.J.R. Hutchinson began his law enforcement career with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office in January of 1994. He has served as a Patrol Deputy, Community Policing Deputy, S.W.A.T. team member, Juvenile Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and he is currently assigned as a Sergeant in charge of the agencies Street Crimes Unit and the Reserve Deputy Program. J.R. has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Pasco Hernando Community College, as well as, many law enforcement certificates. These include; Field Training Officer, Basic and Advanced S.W.A.T. Tactics, and First Line Supervision. J.R. has received three ribbons of commendation and deputy of the quarter for outstanding service to his agency. J.R. obtained K-9 Koda to serve as a member of his family, however, quickly realized that she would be more than just a pet. J.R. and Koda are currently training in the field of Human Remains Detection and Advanced Obedience.
Cindy Baratta
Team Trainer
Certified in Pet CPR and First Aide
Email cbaratta@tampabay.rr.com
Cindy is originally from Maine and moved to Spring Hill after a successful career in the insurance industry. She decided to be a K9 Forensics Recovery Team member wanting to contribute to her community and make a difference. Cindy attended the University of Southern Maine taking courses in Accounting I & II and Business Finance. She has also received a Certificate of Completion for a course in Assertiveness Training for Women. Since Joining the team, Cindy has been certified in "Pet CPR & First Aid". She has received a "Certificate of Training" for the completion of the Human Remains Detector Dog Seminar given by the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Academy in Beaumont, Texas. Cindy and her pet Great Dane "Greta" have been certified in Basic & Advanced Obedience.
Brenda J. Petrillo
Grant Coordinator
Email: kpetrillo@tampabay.rr.com
Brenda moved to Florida from New York in 1991 with her husband, Ken, and their son Ken, Jr. (a member of the K9 Forensic Recovery Team). During a brief retirement, Brenda volunteered for an Elementary School in Pasco County Fl. In April of 1993, she began a new career in the financial world and is currently working for Morgan Stanley in Port Richey. Brenda’s role as Grant Coordinator is to reach out to community organization to make the public aware of the service the K9 Forensic Recovery Team provides. She has arranged presentation for these organizations consisting of team members along with their K9’s, a PowerPoint slide show and a “live” demonstration showing some of the things the team will do during an actual search. She is very willing to assist in any fund raiser during the year as well as our annual Golf Tournament.