Our annual competition brings elite teams together to test skill, speed, and teamwork on realistic obstacles—raising critical funds that go directly back to K-9 units. This is a mission to keep teams trained, equipped, and ready.
About
"At the end of the day, these teams are already out there, answering the call without hesitation. Our mission is simple: make sure they never have to do it without the tools they need."
In 2025, the Treasure Coast Police K9 Competition was created to raise funds and give back directly to K-9 units in need. At the heart of this effort is a deep commitment to helping as many law enforcement and first responder K-9 teams as possible—because every team deserves to be protected, prepared, and supported.
This mission goes far beyond bulletproof vests. K-9 teams work in darkness where visibility can mean survival. They enter unpredictable, high-risk environments that demand advanced, specialized and tactical training. Their K-9 partners train relentlessly, yet the cost of sending multiple teams to high-level courses can reach thousands of dollars—often beyond what agencies can afford.
Why It Matters
We bridge the gap between department budgets and the specialized gear—like Hot-N-Pop systems and night vision—that saves lives in the field.
Leadership
Guided by real-world experience and a heart for service.
Mindy Mangel
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mindy is a U.S. Air Force veteran with over 18 years of law enforcement experience. She began her K9 career in Colorado, where she raised $15,000 to acquire and deploy her first patrol K9.
In 2019, Mindy joined the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and was selected as a K9 handler in 2021. Through real-world deployments, she recognized a significant lack of critical equipment available to many K9 units—such as night vision and other specialized tools needed when it matters most. With her extensive experience in the K9 field, Mindy is uniquely positioned to bridge that gap and help support agencies and units in need of essential equipment and resources.
EST. 2025 • VETERAN LED
Missy Elward
President
Missy Elward is the President of the Treasure Coast Police K9 Alliance and the heart behind the mission. She brings strong community ties, long-standing involvement in local causes, and a deep personal commitment to supporting law enforcement K9 teams.
Her background includes years of hands-on community leadership, including organizing and leading successful fundraising efforts with St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Through that work, Missy became known for her ability to bring people together, inspire support, and make sure efforts turn into meaningful results.
With close connections to the first responder community, Missy understands what K9 teams face day to day and why having the right equipment and resources matters. She has an uncommon ability to help people see the mission clearly — not in abstract terms, but in ways that show how support directly helps the dogs and handlers who serve our community.
Missy leads with honesty, integrity, and passion. She is approachable, dependable, and deeply invested in making sure this mission continues to move forward and make a real difference.
COMMUNITY FOCUSED • TRUSTED NETWORK
Mission
Treasure Coast Police K-9 Alliance supports law enforcement and first responder K9 teams by raising funds to provide mission-critical equipment, training and resources when it matters most.
How We Support K-9 Units
This mission goes far beyond bulletproof vests. K-9 teams enter unpredictable, high-risk environments that demand specialized tools for survival.
Our Upcoming Events
Support Our Heroes
Your donations go directly to providing the life-saving tools and training described above. Choose an amount below to make a secure online donation.