Dan is widely regarded as the driving force behind the popularity and expansion of police K-9 competitions across Florida. He is one of the founder’s of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation and serves on the board of directors. The Space Coast competition has become the model for similar events throughout the state. His leadership and innovation have helped shape a statewide movement that strengthens K-9 programs and builds meaningful community engagement.

Nationally recognized, Dan and his K-9 partner Bear won America's Top Dog, showcasing the skill, discipline, and bond that defined their partnership. Bear, who was laid to rest in 2025, remains a lasting symbol of dedication and service.

Dan is the spirit behind the foundation’s creation, and the image of Dan alongside K-9 Bear is forever honored as the official foundation logo. The Thin Blue Line rocket launch emblem pays tribute to the Space Coast — where rockets launch skyward and, as Dan proudly says, “fur missiles” serve and protect. Through vision, leadership, and passion, Dan has left an enduring mark on Florida’s law enforcement K-9 community.

Yvonne Martinez has served as a law enforcement public information officer since 2003, bringing more than two decades of dedication, leadership, and community engagement to her profession. Since 2018, she has been the heart of the Space Coast Police K-9 Competition, playing a pivotal role in its continued success and growth.

As our event coordinator, Yvonne has helped elevate the competition into one of the premier K-9 events in the region. Her influence extends beyond the Space Coast, as she has contributed significantly to the growth of police K-9 competitions throughout Florida — including supporting startup events in neighboring counties to strengthen statewide engagement and support for law enforcement K-9 teams.

Yvonne is also one of the founders of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation, where she continues to champion the mission of supporting K-9 units, fostering community partnerships, and promoting excellence in police service. Her leadership, passion, and commitment have made a lasting impact on Florida’s law enforcement K-9 community.

Andy Clay brings more than 25 years of accounting and financial management experience to the foundation and serves as a director and treasurer for the organization. His passion for supporting the foundation is evident in his unwavering commitment to honesty, integrity, and transparency. Andy has maintained the financial integrity of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation through meticulous oversight of all funds donated to support the foundation’s programs and special events. As a founder, he ensures every dollar is accounted for and used in direct support of the mission. A former corrections deputy with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Andy strongly believes that supporting police K-9 programs across the region enhances officer safety and strengthens the communities they serve.

Jerry Shealy is the supervisor of the K-9 Unit at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and serves as a director for the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation. He joined the foundation board in 2023. He is a law enforcement K9 subject matter expert and provides vital support to our foundation mission.

Pam Shaia owns and operates multiple businesses on the Space Coast and is widely known for her commitment to giving back to the community. Her passion for supporting law enforcement officers and their K-9 teams is matched by her deep love for rescue animals, which hold a special place in her heart. A faithful sponsor of the Space Coast Police K-9 Competition, Pam brings her business expertise, strong community connections, and generous spirit to help advance and support the mission.

Ryan Keeny is a Tech Sergeant assigned to the 45th Security Forces Squadron at Patrick Space Force Base. A military working dog handler since 2013, he now serves as the Kennel Master, leading a highly skilled team of military working dogs. Under his leadership, his team consistently finishes at the top of the leaderboard, including an impressive sweep of the top three wins in 2025, demonstrating his expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

SSgt Jonathan Hardy is assigned to the 45th Security Forces Squadron at Patrick Space Force Base, where he serves as a Military Working Dog trainer and former handler. During his career, he worked MWD Ggriffin D105 for three years and MWD Joker H082 for one year, supporting high-profile security operations across the globe. SSgt Hardy has conducted missions in support of the President, Vice President, heads of state, and senior government officials throughout Cyprus, India, Qatar, Germany, Belgium, and across the United States. His experience includes support to major events and operations such as the RNC, DNC, APAC, UNGA, and numerous large-scale protective missions requiring advanced explosive detection capabilities. A dedicated member of the working dog community, SSgt Hardy has competed in the Space Coast K9 Competition for several years, earning multiple placements and taking home hardware while competing against top K9 teams in the region. He has also contributed behind the scenes to help support and organize the event. As he transitions from operational handling into broader leadership roles, SSgt Hardy now serves as a board member for the Space Coast K9 Foundation, where he continues supporting and advancing the working dog community through mentorship, event support, and program development.

Commander Marchica manages the Patrol Division for the Cocoa Police Department. This includes all operational aspects of the department.

Commander Marchica joined the Cocoa Police Department in 2002. He began his service as a patrol officer and quickly rose through the ranks to serve in a variety of areas including SWAT, K9, field training, line supervision, and supervision of the former Street Crimes Unit. He took on leadership roles in SWAT, K9 and is currently commander of both units. Commander Marchica also oversees the Crisis Negotiations Team which is another component of SWAT. This team responds to critical incidents and is trained to negotiate with suspects in order to bring a peaceful resolution to these incidents.

Commander Marchica is considered a subject matter expert in the execution of high-risk warrants, special enforcement operations and planning, firearms, high liability and active shooter incidents. He is also an instructor in these areas.

In April, 2022, Commander Marchica was assigned to oversee the Support Services Division which includes Communications, Property & Evidence, and budget.

Commander Marchica holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Barry University. He graduated from what was then known as the Brevard Community College Criminal Justice Academy where he earned his law enforcement certification and credentials. He graduated the Southern Police Institute’s 149th Administrative Officer’s Course in April 2023.

He currently serves as part of the board of directors for the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation.

Description Lance Behringer has proudly served with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office for the past 16 years and currently serves as a Corporal and trainer on midnight shift. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively in patrol operations and as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and guiding new deputies entering the profession.

For the past decade, Lance has been deeply involved in the agency’s K-9 Unit, an area that has become one of the most meaningful aspects of his law enforcement career. His current partner, K9 Zeke, is a highly driven one-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix with exceptional energy and potential. Prior to Zeke, Lance worked alongside his loyal partner K9 Gator, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2025. Gator was more than a working dog — he was family, a trusted teammate, and a partner who left a lasting impact on Lance’s life and career. Lance’s first K-9 partner, K9 Behr, helped ignite his passion for police canine work and laid the foundation for his continued dedication to the profession.

Outside of law enforcement, Lance is also a full-time mural artist whose large-scale artwork can be found throughout Florida. His work has been featured in businesses, government buildings, police departments, schools, churches, and private homes. His murals often reflect themes of patriotism, community, faith, law enforcement, wildlife, space exploration, and Florida culture. Through his artwork, Lance strives to create meaningful connections and lasting impressions within the communities he serves.

Balancing both careers has allowed Lance to pursue two lifelong passions — serving his community through law enforcement while inspiring others through art. Both paths are rooted in dedication, discipline, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Lance is also a proud father to his daughter, Grace, and has been happily married to his wife, Rebecca, for the past 11 years. here