Backing the Blue
Before we were K9 Officers, we were just Rocky and Shannon Smith. We have been backing the blue since 1994 by helping local law enforcement agencies utilize trained dogs on specialized missions, such as search-and-seizure and missing persons cases.
We spent countless hours (and dollars) selecting and purchasing purebred dogs imported from Europe suitable for police work, training the dogs ourselves, and assisting our local agencies.
Becoming K9 Officers
We began to realize we needed the public’s help to secure and train more K9s to assist more law enforcement agencies as more and more agencies came to us requesting our help.
In 2013, we applied for a license to operate as a 501c(3) nonprofit organization under the name of K9 Officers.
Now we work with an annual budget of more than $100,000, a volunteer Board of Directors and support team to train and donate 4-8 K9s a year and hold fund raiser events.
K9 Officers is proud to share our financials which demonstrates our commitment to putting your donation directly to use in your community. You can find our 501c(3) financial disclosure here.
| Activity | Yearly | Monthly | Pledged Donation Status |
| K9 Acquisitions | $60,000 | $5,000 | |
| K9 & Handler Training | $42,000 | $3,500 | |
| Kennel costs | $12,000 | $1,000 | $200 / month |
| Veterinarian Services | $18,000 | $1500 | |
| Retired K9 Support | $6,000 | $500 | |
| Equipment | $9,000 | $750 | |
| $147,000 | $12,250 |
Because we have such a low overhead, 93% of donations go to directly impact our program. Our expenses include the purchase, training, care of the K9’s and equipment to keep our K9s safe—namely, Kevlar bulletproof vests and car heat alarms—while in service to their communities. K9 and handler training are also a large expense. Police departments will provide the budget for the police officer who is the handler but we provide the funds to train the K9 and handler as a team, typically a nine week course.
Our mission statement, “Donating K9s to those who protect and serve,” informs everything we do within the communities we serve.
Our Impact
To date, the 501c(3) has placed nearly 90 K9s with police departments and school districts across the South. By the time a dog is donated, we have developed deep relationships with the dogs and their handlers, so we like to keep them close to Texas to monitor their progress.
Since the inception of the nonprofit organization, K9 Officers has assisted in the seizure of over $125 million in illegal drugs, as well as the confiscation of cash and weapons, making our streets safer for you and your family.
With the help of corporate sponsors and individual donors like you, K9 Officers can support more law enforcement agencies with K9 officers. Join us to make your community safer for everyone.
Our Organization
Rocky Smith
President
Rocky Smith is a dynamic individual with a diverse skill set and an unwavering passion for innovation and excellence. As the president of Innovative Surface Prep, Rocky is at the forefront of the robotic surface preparation industry, leading his team to new heights of success and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field.
In addition to his role at Innovative Surface Prep, Rocky also serves as a corrosion manager offshore, where he utilizes his expertise and knowledge to protect vital infrastructure from the damaging effects of corrosion. His dedication to ensuring the longevity and integrity of structures both on land and at sea is truly commendable.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Rocky is also a talented dog trainer, helping owners create strong and lasting bonds with their furry companions through positive reinforcement and effective training techniques. His love of animals shines through in everything he does, and his commitment to creating harmonious relationships between pets and their owners is truly inspiring.
When he’s not working or training dogs, Rocky can often be found showcasing his skills as a BBQ chef, delighting friends and family with his mouth-watering creations. His passion for grilling and smoking meats knows no bounds, and his culinary expertise is truly unmatched.
Overall, Rocky Smith is a multifaceted individual who excels in every endeavor he pursues. Whether he’s leading a team in the robotics industry, managing corrosion offshore, training dogs, or perfecting his BBQ recipes, Rocky approaches each challenge with determination, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Jim McFadden
Vice President
I am a graduate of Texas A&M University and a retired petroleum engineer. Gig ’em, Aggies!
I am also a proud supporter of law enforcement and I assist K9 Officers by overseeing the fund-raising events and helping wherever I can.
My hobbies include outdoor sports, hunting, fishing, sporting clays (I am an instructor) and making things. I have a ranch in East Texas and spend most of my time there.
Shannon Smith
Treasurer and Board Member
With over 30 years of experience in dog behavior and training, I have dedicated my life to helping dogs and their owners build strong, healthy relationships. As the founder of two successful nonprofit organizations, K9 Officers and TLK9 (need to say somewhere what this is?), I have worked tirelessly to provide support and resources for working dogs and their handlers.
In addition to my work with these organizations, I am also a respected breeder of working line German shepherds. I believe in the importance of breeding for both temperament and working ability, producing dogs that are not only loyal and loving companions but also highly skilled and capable.
Through my years of experience, I have developed a deep understanding of canine behavior and training techniques that allow me to effectively work with even the most difficult cases. I am passionate about helping dogs and their owners communicate better and live happier, more fulfilling lives together.
David Kreiner
Board Member
David Kreiner is a seasoned professional in the hospitality and offshore catering industry, currently serving as the Director of Operations for the Americas and Caribbean at Aramark Offshore. With ultimate responsibility for Aramark’s operations across the region, including global unit mobilization, David has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation throughout his career.
David embarked on his offshore catering journey in 2005 after years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant sector. Since joining Aramark in 2011 as an Operations Manager based in Houston, he has continuously elevated his role within the company. In 2019, David assumed the position of Director of Operations for the Gulf of Mexico business, expanding his purview to encompass the Caribbean and South America.
Known for his innovative thinking and commitment to excellence, David has been a driving force behind raising industry standards and exceeding client expectations. His passion for exploring the unexpected has transformed how offshore catering is approached, leading to groundbreaking processes and outcomes.
David’s educational background includes a degree in Hospitality Management and graduation from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school. Drawing on his culinary expertise, he has pushed the boundaries of what is possible within the challenging environments of oil and gas remote locations, consistently striving for new and cutting-edge solutions.
In addition to his professional achievements, David and his team have been deeply involved with the K9 Officers non-profit organization since its early days. He served a period of time as the organization’s VP and most recently became a board member in late 2023.