Home LOCAL PARIS Paris Police Officer K9 Cupa celebrates 3-years

Paris Police Officer K9 Cupa celebrates 3-years

by MyParisTexas
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In a blink of an eye, K-9 Officer Cupa has celebrated his third anniversary with the Paris Police Department.

Cupa, who is undoubtedly the most popular officer of the Paris Police Department, is getting better with each year he is with the department and has recently gained another qualification to add to his already impressive resume.

Cupa, along with his handler Officer Jeff Padier, started working the streets together on Sept 19, 2016. Cupa who grew up in the Netherlands, began some basic training there before he was transported stateside and began his career as a K-9 law enforcement officer.

While they continue to work the streets each shift, they also enjoy the outings where they get to meet the members of the public at different events hosted each year. 

When Padier and Paris PD Chief Bob Hundley originally discussed desirable attributes they wished to see in their next police dog, they knew they needed and wanted a dog that would be able to do the job effectively but still have a great disposition when interacting off the clock. 

“He is unique, and is great at his job, he loves what he has to do, and Cupa knows when he isn’t at work and can switch off,” Padier said. 

A rare find, but one that has worked out in the department’s favor, Padier jokes that part of Cupa’s job is public relations. 

“He gets better and better each year,” he said, “There are things that change slightly over time, like when we go to big events he is constantly scanning the area looking and watching just like any other police officer. But he is not aggressive; he only shows that side if I ask him to.”

Padier explained the ‘aggressive’ side of Cupa is one that is a rarity for him. The closest he has ever come to showing that side was a few years back when Cupa was assaulted while trying to apprehend a suspect. The suspect picked up Cupa and flung him against a car. He was a little hurt, but Padier said Cupa got straight back to work and was able to help put that person in custody. 

“Police dogs have to go through a lot of tough, intricate training. They have to tick very specific boxes for health, ability, and temperament each year when we qualify,” Padier explained. 

Recertification yearly for K-9 units is a requirement that they all have to do, on top of constant training which Padier says Cupa continues to move forward in leaps and bounds. 

“Cupa is just a great work dog,” he said, “he truly loves his job and is always excited for what’s next.”

Furthermore, his sweet disposition has secured his spot at home when they are both off shift. 

“My wife has now gotten used to Cupa coming in and telling her he’s home when we are on night shifts, and she’s still in bed,” laughed Padier. 

“He gets very excited to let mom know that he did good and then gets a cuddle before he nods off,” he added. 

Cupa is not only Padier’s number one right-hand man and partner; he is a part of the family and enjoys spending time doing ‘dog’ things at home. 

“He comes everywhere with us on the property, or if I go to do a little fishing he comes and sits with me on the shorelines, and we just enjoy the day,” he said. 

With hard work comes specific care also; care to which Padier takes very seriously. 

“He can’t always tell you when something is wrong. Like all dogs, they tell us in their own way. So when it comes to Cupa’s health we [Padier and wife Cathleen] are always making sure he is at the top of his game,” Padier said. 

From being apart of the Lamar County Adopt-A-Cop fundraiser to receiving gifts from citizens, Padier says that he appreciates what not only the local non-profit but the public has been able to do for his partner. 

“They’ve been able to raise money for a vest for him, they help with getting toys, and shampoo and a whole range of products that he always needs,” he said. 

Without a doubt, Padier and Hundley know they made the right decision in picking Cupa to not only patrol the streets of Paris but to also assist other agencies when asked and be at events to meet all his fans whenever he cans. 

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