TCMGF K-9 Competition and Certification

Show-Me State Annual K-9 Competition & Certification Conference

Hosted by The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation

The Show-Me State Annual K-9 Competition & Certification Conference, hosted by The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation (TCMGF), is a premier statewide event dedicated to honoring, supporting, and advancing the incredible work of law enforcement K-9 teams across Missouri and the surrounding region.

Held at the nationally recognized Purina Farms, this three-day event brings together law enforcement agencies, certified K-9 teams, trainers, vendors, and community members for a powerful combination of professional training, certification opportunities, competition, and public engagement.

Purpose of the Event

The event was created to strengthen and support law enforcement K-9 programs, which play a critical role in public safety operations including:

• Narcotics detection

• Explosive detection

• Tracking and trailing

• Patrol and apprehension

• Search and rescue

• Missing persons recovery

K-9 units are among the most effective and highly trained assets in modern law enforcement, yet many departments struggle with limited funding for training, certification, equipment, and veterinary care. This event helps address those needs while bringing agencies together to share knowledge, build partnerships, and showcase the extraordinary abilities of their K-9 partners.

Professional Certification & Training

The conference provides national-level certification opportunities for K-9 teams in multiple disciplines. Handlers and their dogs will participate in structured testing scenarios designed to evaluate skill, reliability, and operational readiness.

Certifications and evaluations may include:

• Patrol certification

• Narcotics detection certification

• Tracking and trailing exercises

• Area search scenarios

• Obedience and control testing

• Tactical deployment exercises

Experienced instructors, evaluators, and trainers will oversee these sessions to ensure high professional standards and realistic training environments.

K-9 Competition Events

The competition portion of the conference highlights the speed, intelligence, discipline, and teamwork between handler and K-9. Agencies from across Missouri and neighboring states will compete in a variety of challenging scenarios.

Competition events may include:

• Obstacle and agility courses

• Detection challenges

• Tactical apprehension demonstrations

• Area search competitions

• Tracking competitions

• Handler and K-9 teamwork exercises

These events not only test skill and training but also create a spirit of camaraderie among K-9 teams who dedicate their lives to protecting their communities.

Public Demonstrations & Community Engagement

One of the most exciting aspects of the event is the opportunity for the public to witness K-9 teams in action. Demonstrations will showcase the incredible capabilities of these highly trained dogs and provide insight into how they assist law enforcement officers in the field.

Families and community members will have the opportunity to:

• Watch live K-9 demonstrations

• Meet K-9 handlers and their dogs

• Learn about careers in law enforcement and K-9 units

• Visit vendor booths featuring tactical gear, equipment, and training resources

• Support the mission of The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation

This interaction helps strengthen the bond between first responders and the communities they serve.

Honoring the Legacy of Det. Sgt. Mason Griffith

This event is deeply connected to the mission of The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation, which was established to honor the legacy of Mason Griffith, who gave his life in the line of duty on March 12, 2023.

Through initiatives like the K-9 competition, the Foundation continues Mason’s legacy of service, courage, and dedication to protecting others. The event serves as both a training opportunity and a meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made by first responders and their families.

Supporting K-9 Programs

Proceeds from the event help fund important initiatives through TCMGF, including:

• K-9 unit equipment and training support

• Assistance to injured first responders

• Support for families of fallen officers

• Scholarships for future first responders

• Community programs that strengthen public safety

Event Impact

The Show-Me State K-9 Competition & Certification Conference aims to become one of the largest law enforcement K-9 gatherings in the Midwest, creating a hub where agencies can train, compete, and collaborate while the public gains a deeper appreciation for the work these teams perform every day.

Through this event, The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation continues its commitment to supporting first responders past, present, and future while ensuring that the legacy of service, sacrifice, and community protection continues for generations to come.