First Response K9
FIRST
RESPONSE
K-9
First Response K9 offers fear-free, positive training to help you and your dog build confidence through socialization, community exposure, advanced handling, and public access skills—creating a strong bond and preparing your canine for any situation.
MEET THE TEAM
Melissa Woolly
K9 Bo, Director, Trainer, Certification Expert, Tester and Observer
Melissa serves as the administration for First Response K9. Melissa has a passion for supporting law enforcement and children outside of the typical obvious needs. This drives her passion for training, certification, placement, and promotion of the program.
Darrah Metz
Former K9 Mattis. Master Trainer, Certification Expert, Tester and Observer, Board Member
Darrah has been in the law enforcement profession since 2011. Metz founded TEAM K9 Academy which focuses on the training of dogs for first responder agencies. Metz has been a Master K9 trainer since 2018.
Mile Paulins
Simon K9, Master Trainer, Certification Expert, Tester and Observer, Board Member
Mike has spent the past 32 years with the Columbus Division of Police in Columbus, Ohio. Mike’s current assignment is with his partner Simon in the Therapy Dog Unit which was started in 2019. Mike is the head trainer for the Divisions Therapy Dog Unit, having graduated from Master Canine School in 2021. Mike has trained over 140 first responder agencies throughout the country.
Jared Johnson
K9 Riggs, Master Trainer, Certification Expert, Tester and Observer, Board Member
Jared is a United States Military Veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps before his career in Law Enforcement. Jared has served in law enforcement for nine years with the Ardmore Police Department, specializing in the K9 unit since 2016.
Since 2020, He has been a state certifier for the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET). He s also a member of the CLEET Drug Dog Advisory Board (DDAC).
STAY CONNECTED
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Contact
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in training, partnership opportunities, or just have questions, reach out and let’s chat. Select what you’re interested in below, and we’ll get back to you soon!