Meet K9 Coco’s new paw-tner

By Sandra Carr

When you’re partnered with OCPS’s favorite employee, K9 Coco, you’d better be on your A-game. Fortunately, K9 Officer Brian Howarth is up to the challenge!

Howarth brings his extensive experience as a K9 handler to the OCPS District Police. Howarth previously served as a Lieutenant with the Union County Sheriff's Office in New Jersey, commanding the esteemed K9/Search and Rescue Unit. After 26 years of dedicated service, he retired in December 2022.

Howarth came out of retirement to join OCPS District Police in April 2023.

"I wanted to be a K9 handler because it was something different," he explains. "It involves many physical and mental challenges. I like being able to help and interact with people."

Although he has worked at Positive Pathways and Washington Shores PLC, his primary focus is working with his trusted K9 partner, Coco, a German Shorthaired Pointer. Howarth travels from school to school, conducting vital weapons screenings to ensure a safe learning environment for all.

From searching for contraband and weapons to tracking missing children and apprehending suspects, K9 handlers play a significant role in maintaining safety within the community.

“I have been a K9 handler for 24 years and cannot imagine doing anything else... I have assisted in training over 165 K9 teams from across the New York/New Jersey area. Some of those teams work for federal agencies, such as the U.S. Park Police protecting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.”

Howarth has handled seven K9 partners before Coco, including German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Dutch Shepherds and a Belgian Malinois. These partnerships have seen him involved in significant missions, such as protective sweeps prior to presidential visits and assisting with explosives sweeps at major sporting events.

Additionally, Howarth responded to the recovery efforts at Ground Zero on 9-11.

When asked about his experience working with Coco, Howarth’s enthusiasm shines through.

“Coco is awesome,” he says with a smile. “She is energetic, loves working, and will do anything to play ball.”

Despite being the smallest dog he has worked with, Coco impresses with her boundless energy. As part of Howarth’s family, she joins his retired K9 partner Devante, a 9-year-old Dutch Shepherd, and Ozzy, their 5-year-old Labrador. Together, they enjoy running around the yard and relaxing by the pool.“The bond between a handler and K9 is unbelievable. They really become part of your family,” Howarth said.

Howarth’s goals for this year may include an educational visit to your school.

“I hope to make Coco even more popular around the district,” he said. As they travel from school to school, Howarth plans to showcase Coco’s exceptional abilities and demonstrate how she contributes to keeping OCPS safe and secure. And make sure to ask Howarth for a Coco trading card.

With Officer Howarth and K-9 Coco on duty, OCPS can rest assured that the safety and well-being of students and staff are in capable hands… and paws.

Follow Coco on instagram at coco_ocps