New Hope K-9 Team Awarded National Patrol Case of the Year by United States Police Canine Association

Posted on 10/16/2023

The United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) has named New Hope Police Sergeant Miguel Robles and K-9 Drago winners of the National Patrol Case of the Year Award for 2022. The award recognizes outstanding work done by K-9 teams in everyday encounters with the real world. The award is presented to the team selected as having performed exceptionally under challenging circumstances and with exceptional ability in law enforcement utilizing a police service dog.

In February 2022, while an officer, Sgt. Robles and K-9 partner Drago responded to a call about a pursuit ending in a crash with the passenger fleeing and firing shots at the responding officer on the scene. Upon arrival, Officer Robles and Drago set up a perimeter and started a track, which led to the safe apprehension of the suspect. Robles and Drago were also instrumental in recovering the firearm used through their work directing a second K-9 team.

Sgt. Robles joined the New Hope Police Department in 2007, serving as a K-9 officer for nine years. Robles continues to oversee the department's K-9 division since his promotion to sergeant in 2022.

Sgt. Robles accepted the award during the USPCA National Patrol Dog Trial in Foley, Alabama. The USPCA is the nation's largest, continuously operating organization that promotes quality-trained and certified canine teams.