Tribute Wall
K9 K9 Ronja
END OF WATCH
August 13, 2020
Police Department
Tacoma Police Department, WA
Attorney, Daragjati Law
K9s United Board Member
Paul is a graduate of FSU School of Law and has served as a police officer and an Assistant State Attorney. Since 2007, Paul has represented public employee labor unions, public employee pension funds, individual employees through the state, and currently serves as statewide counsel to the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police. Paul is admitted to practice before the state courts of Florida and Georgia, the United States District Courts of Florida, and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Paul has represented clients in front of state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as, in arbitration, career service, and in front of administrative agencies. Paul has also represented over 150 officers in deadly force incidents and has defended as many officers in federal civil rights cases.
Paul joined the Board of K9s United in May 2026.
Chief Marketing Officer, 5.11 Inc. (Ret)
K9s United Board Member
Deb joined the board of K9s United in February 2026. Deb is a seasoned marketing executive with over 30 years of experience, bringing brands and consumers together in exceptional ways. Deb most recently served as the Global Chief Marketing Officer of 5.11 Tactical, responsible for leading the strategic marketing direction for one of the most iconic consumer brands rooted in serving public safety and military professionals, providing purpose-built technical apparel, footwear and gear. Deb was accountable for strengthening and evolving all aspects of the 5.11 brand and marketing strategies for 125 US retail stores, digital direct-to-consumer, wholesale and professional channels.
Prior to joining 5.11, Deb was SVP Marketing for West Marine, Sr. Director of Marketing for The Home Depot and Vice President of Marketing for Sports Authority. In her prior organizations, she oversaw and directed all aspects of brand marketing, including integrated marketing plans, leveraging new customer insights, local/national events, PR/media and influencer marketing to generate customer acquisition and retention, achieve financial performance and gain competitive advantage.
Deb is also currently owner, investor, and board member of multiple private companies, including Shelter Distilling, Inc., since February 2017, National Retail Federation (NRF) where she has served as CMO Council Chair and Executive Board member since January 2014, Mammoth Lakes Tourism Board of Directors and owner of Side Door Wine Bar & Café, located in Mammoth Lakes, CA since 2019.
Member, Florida Board of Education
K9s United Board Member
Esther is a native Floridian who has led a 25-year career in the legal field ranging from general practice to complex litigation. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Esther temporarily left the legal profession to serve our country in the United States Marine Corps. There, she worked in logistics and motor transport, driving seven-ton trucks and ambulances.
Esther is actively involved in her community, helping to educate citizens on the legislative process and best practices for interacting effectively with government. Her extensive community service efforts also include housing families experiencing homelessness, as an Elder in her church, and fostering animals while helping them find a forever home, inspired by her own rescue dog, Tucker.
Esther lives in Neptune Beach with her husband, Cord, and their children Dominic and Lexie. She currently serves on the Florida Board of Education and is an avid dog lover. She recently formed Jax Beaches Republican Women’s Club.
Esther joined the Board of K9s United in March of 2025.
Lt, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
K9s United Board Member
Jason was born and raised in Callahan, FL. He graduated from Bishop Kenny High School in 1988 and attended the University of North Florida. He graduated from UNF in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
Jason joined the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 2006. In 2016, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was selected as the Police Officer of the year in 2017. In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was the Commander of the Canine and Mounted Units from 2021-2024.
In addition to being the Chairman of the Event Committee for K9s United, Jason coaches baseball at Bishop Kenny High School, which he has done for nearly 20 years.
K9 Handler, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (RET)
K9s United Board Member
Rob has been with K9s United since 2015 when he was initially on the Advisory Board. He is currently the Director of K9 Support Service for K9s United, managing all of the equipment requests received from multiple Law Enforcement agencies.
Rob spent 35 years in Law Enforcement, 32 years as a K9 Handler for Orange County Sheriff’s office. He has been a K9 Instructor since 2001 and a Florida Law Enforcement Canine Evaluator since 2006. He is specialized in Narcotics Detection, Explosive Detection, Obedience, Evidence Search, Problem Solving, Tracking and Apprehension work.
Rob’s passion is helping K9 Teams.
CPA
K9s United Board Member
Sheila moved to St. Augustine in 1986 to attend Flagler College. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Religion/Philosophy. After graduation, Sheila went to work for a local public accounting firm, earning her CPA in 1996. She went on to serve as the Director of Finance for a local non-profit organization and then returned to public accounting in 2008. In July 2016, she realized a long-standing goal of owning her own CPA firm and established Sheila Brown Accounting.
She is an active member of Memorial Presbyterian Church where she has held many roles and is a current Elder and volunteers with the children and youth ministry program. She joined the K9s United board in May 2018 and serves as the Treasurer. Sheila and her husband, Andy, have two children, Anna and Benjamin, a dog and six cats. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and loves puzzles.
Chairman & CEO, St. John; Chairman & CEO, Nectar Studios
K9s United Board Member
Dan started his advertising career in public relations at The William Cook Agency, one of the premier agencies in the Southeast at the time. He soon switched to the advertising side of the agency, and by the end of his 12 years there, was responsible for managing some of the agency’s largest and most high-profile accounts. In 1984, Dan decided it was time for an even bigger challenge and started his own agency with William Robinson. The new venture, Robinson & St. John, recorded $500,000 in billings in its first year and grew to be an $18 million agency by 1993. That year, Dan bought his partner’s ownership in the agency and later renamed it to St. John & Partners. Dan continues to play an important role in helping our clients succeed and has guided SJ&P to steady and consistent growth.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Dan graduated from Florida State University, where he earned a scholarship in baseball and a Bachelor’s Degree from the School of Business with a major in Advertising and Public Relations. Dan is an avid golfer and in his spare time, enjoys spending time in the North Carolina mountains with his wife.
Ridgeside K9 Central Florida, Owner
K9s United President
For more than 25 years, Jay Nix has dedicated his life to serving others, not simply through the training of exceptional law enforcement K9 teams, but by developing the people who lead them.
After retiring from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Ocala, Florida, Jay concluded a distinguished career that included service as a Patrol K9 Handler, Highway Criminal Interdiction Commander, Narcotics Task Force member, K9 Trainer, Instructor, Evaluator, and K9 Unit Commander. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for building capable teams, mentoring future leaders, and helping shape one of Florida’s premier law enforcement K9 programs.
As a nationally recognized instructor and evaluator, Jay has trained hundreds of Law Enforcement K9 teams representing agencies throughout the United States. His instruction combines decades of operational experience with practical, results-driven methods that prepare handlers and their dogs for the realities of the job. While his technical expertise has earned him respect within the profession, those who have trained alongside him often speak first about his willingness to invest in people long after the course has ended. To Jay, mentorship has never been an obligation, it has always been part of the mission.
That same commitment to service continues today through his role as President of K9s United.
Working alongside founder Debbie Johnson, Jay helps lead a national organization dedicated to protecting and supporting the Law Enforcement K9 community through advanced training, lifesaving equipment, legislative advocacy, and strategic partnerships. He believes every investment entrusted to the organization represents an opportunity to strengthen the safety, preparedness, and effectiveness of the officers and K9s who faithfully serve communities across the country.
In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Jay is the owner of Ridgeside K9 Central Florida, where he leads a team committed to helping families develop reliable, well-balanced dogs while building confident, knowledgeable owners. Whether working with a first-time pet owner or an experienced Law Enforcement Handler, his philosophy remains consistent: lasting success begins by developing the person holding the leash.
Throughout every chapter of his career, one principle has remained unchanged: leadership is measured less by position than by service. Jay believes the greatest legacy anyone can leave is not found in personal accomplishments, but in the lives they influence, the leaders they develop, and the organizations they leave stronger than they found them.
His Christian faith serves as the foundation for that philosophy. It shapes the way he leads, the way he serves, and the way he approaches every opportunity to make a difference. Whether mentoring a young handler, helping an organization grow, or supporting a family through one of life’s challenges, Jay strives to lead with integrity, humility, and a genuine desire to serve others.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jay continues to invest his time and experience into the profession that has given him so much. His mission is simple: to honor God by serving people well, developing leaders of character, and strengthening the communities they are called to protect.
President & CEO, Live Oak Contracting
K9s United Board Member
Paul was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL and attended Auburn University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics. Paul worked in the construction industry for ten years prior to founding Live Oak Contracting in 2014. He has grown Live Oak’s portfolio to include projects along the East Coast from Florida to Maine with general contracting licenses in 10 states. By building long-term relationships based on integrity, Paul and Live Oak have successfully managed projects in Market Rate, Multifamily, Mixed Use, Industrial, and Commercial industries. Since 2014, Paul has grown Live Oak exponentially and is consistently recognized as one of Jacksonville’s top 50 fastest-growing companies by the Jacksonville Business Journal. His professional accolades include the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2017, 2018; he was a finalist in Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for the State of Florida. Paul has also been recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Commercial Real Estate Executives in America. He was on the Jacksonville Business Journal’s list of Ultimate CEOs in 2019, and the Daily Record awarded him a 2021 Top Entrepreneur.
As a Jacksonville native, Paul feels a strong connection to the community. He is passionate about giving back to local charitable organizations and creates an environment where his employees can do the same. Organizations he supports include the Jaguars Foundation, Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, Safe Harbor Boys Academy, the ARC, North Florida School of Special Education, and he sits on the board of K9s United as Vice President.
Paul also has a heart for seeing Jacksonville grow. He served as a mentor for the NEFL ULI Emerging Leaders group and NAIOP’s Mentorship Program and is currently on the Board of Governors for the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Advisors for NEFL Urban Land Institute. He is also an investment partner for JAX USA and Downtown Vision.
Financial Strategist
K9s United Founder
Learning about the tragedy of K9 Baron on October 7, 2014, with the St. Johns County Sheriffs Office, something special happened. Debbie turned her grief into inspiration and realized that she could do more for the K9s that serve and protect us.
Debbie wanted to learn more, so she applied for, and was accepted, to the civilian Law Enforcement Academy class. There, she learned more about the department and its budget needs. She also had the opportunity to meet Baron’s handler, Deputy Farrah Ashe. Debbie realized that there was a real need to support our K9 heroes, so she applied for a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, which was approved in June 2015 and K9s United was born.
Debbie not only has a full-time career as a Financial Professional and a passion for fulfilling the mission of K9s United, but she is also a mom to her daughter, Emma, and a wife to her husband BJ. Debbie also has a houseful of dogs at any given time.
Esq., Owner/Managing Attorney Spartan Law of FL, PLLC.
K9s United Board Member
Erica joined the K9s United Board in December 2025. She is the owner and managing attorney at Spartan Law of Florida, PLLC, as well as a Critical Response Attorney and Collective Bargaining Negotiator for the Police Benevolent Association. Erica is an Arbitration Attorney specializing in labor law and criminal defense of Florida’s Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers. She was also a Senior Attorney at Children’s Legal Service focusing on Dependency Law.
Erica was a Law Enforcement officer for the Ocala Police Department from 2005 to 2021. During that time, she was an Investigations Sergeant, K9 Supervisor, Bicycle Unit Sergeant, Field Training Program Supervisor, Crime Prevention Officer and a Patrol Officer.
She received her JD from the Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law in Orlando, FL. She has a Master of Science degree in Criminology from the University of Central FL, her BA in Criminology from Saint Leo University and an AAS in Criminal Justice from Georgia Southern University. Erica is a member of the American Bar Association, Member of the Florida Bar, Member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association and is still a current Certified Florida State Law Enforcement Officer.
K9 Sgt. Los Angeles Police Dept. (RET)
K9s United Board Member
Mike had 32.5 years (25 years of K9 experience) with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), where he was assigned as the Chief Trainer for the Metropolitan Division K9 Platoon. He is a nationally recognized expert in K9 Tactics, Perimeter Containments, Command Post Operations (Command and Control), as well as off leash search techniques. Mike was the overseer of all aspects of K9 training, maintenance, and K9 selection for the LAPD K9 Platoon.
Mike has also worked and supervised other divisions/units within the LAPD, including patrol, narcotics, C.R.A.S.H., Vice, Safer Cities Initiative, Community Relations, and the Community Law Enforcement and Recovery (CLEAR) unit.
Mike conducts numerous seminars/classes throughout North America, instructing on the proper use of the E-Collar (off leash control), K9 Search Team Tactics, K9/SWAT Integration, Perimeter Containments, Command Post Operations, and Multi Assault Counter Terrorism Capabilities (MACTAC).
K9 Care and Transport Coordinator, Survival Flight
K9s United Board Member
Amanda is a wife, proud mom of three, and a flight nurse living in North Florida. She has been a critical care nurse for 15 years, with the last five years being in emergency/critical care transport. Amanda’s passion for serving others extends beyond her career and into her commitment to supporting law enforcement K9 teams
When she is not working, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family on the water, traveling, listening to live music, and unwinding with a good book. Amanda believes in leading with compassion, service with purpose, and making a difference wherever she can.
PRESIDENT, SAFAriland
K9s United Board Member
In 2019, The Safariland Group was the Top Dawg sponsor for the 9K for K9s race in Jacksonville, FL. The sponsorship led to a first annual Law Enforcement Day at two Safariland locations in Jacksonville. The Law Enforcement Days included tours of Safariland, K9 and SWAT Team demonstrations and lunch for all Safariland associates and law enforcement attendees. After spending time with the K9s United team, Brad saw The Safariland Group’s mission of “Together We Save Lives” was closely aligned with the K9s United mission. Safariland and the K9s United teams are both extremely passionate about protecting those that protect us!
Brad began his career with Safariland in the spring of 2017 after spending 20 years in executive and leadership positions within IDEX Corporation, Danaher Corporation and Ingersoll Rand Company. The Safariland Group is a company with a rich heritage in law enforcement, military and sporting markets with headquarters in Jacksonville, FL. The Company is an innovative global leader in concealable and tactical body armor, bomb suits, armor systems, duty gear, comms and hearing protection, less lethal products, forensics solutions and training. Brad earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Brad also has an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.
Brad lives in Jacksonville, FL with his wife, son, daughter and Airedale Terrier, Buddy (as in Bud Foster – GO Hokies!). His son attends Christ Church Academy and his daughter is a freshman at the University of North Florida. Brad enjoys all things outdoors such as hiking, biking, kayaking, basketball and soaking up time with his family. Brad and his family attend Southpoint Community Church where he is an active disciple in his community.