Today, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office proudly welcomed K9 Mako to its K9 Unit. Mako comes to the agency after a successful career with the Fountain Police Department, where he served from April 2023 through May 2025.
During his time with Fountain PD, K9 Mako was deployed 85 times for narcotics detection, resulting in 71 seizures and 42 arrests. His work led to the recovery of 187 grams of methamphetamine, 25 fentanyl pills, 7 grams of cocaine, and 1 gram of heroin.
In addition to narcotics deployments, Mako completed four patrol deployments, assisted in three arrests, located two firearms, and found four individuals, each resulting in peaceful surrenders.
K9 Mako, born on June 24, 2021, is a German Shepherd imported from the Czech Republic by Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania. Originally purchased by the Fountain Police Department, he was deployed with them for just over a year before transitioning to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
He has already achieved national certification in patrol and narcotics through the National Police Canine Association (NPCA).
“Mako is a high-drive, hardworking K9 and a welcome addition, a manpower multiplier, and an important resource for our Office,” said Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “His proven track record in both narcotics and patrol work will immediately strengthen our capabilities in the field and at our jail.
“K9 partners like Mako provide an unmatched advantage to law enforcement. Their powerful sense of smell, speed, and agility allow them to detect narcotics, locate hidden suspects, track missing people, and search large areas much faster than law enforcement alone. K9s also serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior and can de-escalate potentially dangerous situations without resorting to force.
“Welcome to the team, K9 Mako.”
When off duty, Mako enjoys napping in his kennel or chasing his favorite ball.
