K-9 Copper Retirement Party

The Cocoa Police Department invites the community to celebrate the retirement of one of its most beloved officers, K-9 Copper, as he concludes nearly a decade of dedicated service and celebrates his 10th birthday.
The retirement celebration will be held Wednesday, September 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Riverfront Park. The free, family-friendly event will feature photo opportunities with Copper, giveaways, paw print art, cupcakes for both humans and dogs, and a chance for the community to thank him for his years of extraordinary service.
An American Black and Tan Coonhound, Copper joined the Cocoa Police Department in 2016 and officially began serving in February 2017. Throughout his career, he fulfilled a unique dual role as both a tracking K-9 and a registered therapy dog.
In recognition of his extraordinary service, Copper received the 2018 American Kennel Club Award for Canine Excellence, one of the organization's highest honors recognizing dogs whose work has a profound impact on the lives of others.
Copper assisted officers in searches for missing and endangered people while providing comfort to victims of crime during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether sitting beside a frightened child, comforting an elderly victim, or simply offering a calming presence after a traumatic event, Copper became an invaluable resource for both the Cocoa Police Department and the community it serves.
Beyond his work with victims, Copper became one of the department's most recognizable ambassadors. Alongside his handlers, he visited schools, attended countless community events, and met thousands of residents, helping foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the public.
At a time when trust between law enforcement and communities across the country was being challenged, Copper helped bridge gaps one interaction at a time. His gentle demeanor opened doors to conversations, eased fears, and reminded people that policing is built on compassion and connection as much as public safety.
The Cocoa Police Department invites everyone whose life has been touched by Copper—or who simply wants to wish him well—to join us for his official retirement celebration and 10th birthday on Wednesday, September 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Riverfront Park.
Come help us thank K-9 Copper for nearly a decade of dedicated service and celebrate the remarkable legacy of a dog who made Cocoa a little safer, a little kinder, and a lot more connected.