Officer Sara Leos began her career with the Plano Police Department in 2014 as a public safety officer. This month, the department announced she would become the department’s first female K9 handler, making Plano police history.
By December 2015, she advanced to police recruit and attended the police academy. After seven years on patrol, she served as a field training officer and later joined the high visibility unit. In May 2024, she achieved another milestone by being selected for the K9 Unit, breaking new ground as the department's first female K9 handler.
Her partner, K9 Teo, is a 14-month-old Belgian Malinois and shepherd mix from Poland, specially trained in both narcotics detection and patrol.
"As the first female K9 handler, I am incredibly grateful to everyone who recognized my passion and determination to wear this uniform alongside a K9 partner,” Officer Leos said in a Facebook post. “The support I received on this journey has been acknowledged and appreciated beyond words. Being the first female handler is both exhilarating and fulfilling. I hope other women have access to the same kind of support to help them achieve their aspirations!"
According to the police department, having a K9 partner offers tremendous advantages, with an unmatched bond between the dog and the handler. A dog’s extraordinary sense of smell is just one of the greatest assets in police work, helping immensely in narcotics detection, locating individuals and finding objects like weapons that may have been discarded after a crime.
In the Facebook post, the department said they provide a custom-built kennel that offers shade and protection from harsh weather. He loves spending time there, especially enjoying his two favorite activities: eating and sleeping. His favorite toy? A Kong, of course.
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