RTD Transit Police K-9 units awarded for explosives detections
Specialized K-9 teams help protect communities and assist partner agencies across the Denver metro area
When threat detection requires highly specialized skills, RTD Transit Police (RTD-PD) K-9 units step in. RTD officers Corey AverillwithK-9 Milo and Jesse Robinson with K-9 Reign were honored by the National Police Canine Association (NCPA) during a June 17 award ceremony for their assistance in two separate investigations involving explosives detection.
“Both incidents involved our K-9 teams assisting law enforcement agencies throughout the Denver metropolitan area that do not have explosive detection canine resources,” RTD Chief of Police and Emergency Management Steve Martingano said. “Their success is a testament to the strong partnerships and collaborative efforts among public safety agencies that continue to make our communities safer.”
On Dec.21, 2025, Averill and K-9 Milo assisted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office with locating a firearm discharged inside a residence. Milo identified the weapon within three minutes– as well as the firearm holster in a different location within the residence– after investigators had been unable to find the weapon. Averill and K-9 Milo received a NPCA quarterly award for the firearm detection, which supported an ongoing investigation.
Five days later, on Dec. 26, Robinson and K-9 Reign assisted the Cherry Hills Police Department with an arson investigation along the Highline Canal Trail. Reign alerted his handler to a powdery substance that proved critical in identifying explosive materials. This detection prompted the case to be escalated to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which ultimately uncovered significant explosive materials at the suspect’s home.
Reign’s work played a key role in mitigating a serious public safety threat and leading to the suspect’s arrest. Robinson and Reign received the NPCA Northwest Region Detection Case of the Quarter Award for Q4 2025.
Milo and Reign are two of four RTD Transit Police K-9 units funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The specialized dogs are trained to detect explosives and support safety for RTD customers, employees, and the broader community. The units provide patrol coverage seven days a week across RTD’s 2,349-square-mile district and are requested by other agencies for their unique and highly sought-after skills.
RTD’s K-9s undergo 10 weeks of initial certification training and continue weekly training with their handlers throughout their service.
For insights into what it’s like for the officers to work with these specialized dogs, learn more here.