Colorado Springs Airport K9 program cut

Ashley Eberhardt
·1 min read

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The K9 program at the Colorado Springs Airport (COS) is coming to an end, after funding was cut by the federal government, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD).

CSPD confirmed the funding cuts to FOX21 News on Friday, April 26. The dogs in the program are owned by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), though the officers that are partnered with them are employed by CSPD.

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CSPD said the officers will remain employed by CSPD but will be moved to other positions. As for the dogs, CSPD said its agency was informed that two of the three dogs would be retired, and the third would be relocated. FOX21 News has reached out to TSA for more information on the dogs’ futures and is waiting to hear back.

  • When going through TSA precheck at the Colorado Springs Airport, K-9 Donut is on guard as each passengers walks by.
    Courtesy: FOX21 News reporter Maggy Wolanske
  • Colorado Springs Police Officer Rodney Biechler and K-9 Donut have been working together for almost three years. In less than two weeks, they will head to Las Vegas to provide Super Bowl security.
    Courtesy: Maggy Wolanske, FOX21 News MMJ
  • Whether it is sniffing garbage cans or plants, K-9 Donut follows all odors to help protect the airport grounds.
    Courtesy: Maggy Wolanske, FOX21 News MMJ

“I would like to emphasize that this was a decision that was made entirely at the federal level and not something that CSPD or the City of Colorado Springs had a say in,” said a spokesperson for CSPD. “We, of course, will still have officers at the airport and are very much committed to keeping travelers safe.”

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