Saluting K9 Tyler’s Incredible Career
July 18, 2025 by Kate Nadolski
After more than six years of protecting and serving alongside her handler, Officer Lisa Koeppel of the Cheyenne Police Department, K9 Tyler has officially retired.
K9 Tyler, a Belgian Malinois, joined the Cheyenne PD in May 2019 after completing a 15-week training program with Koeppel. She was brought home in February 2019 and immediately began her path toward becoming one of the department’s most valued K9 officers.
K9 Tyler was made possible through a grant awarded to Cheyenne PD by Tyler Technologies in partnership with the Sean M. Walsh K-9 Memorial Foundation. K9 Tyler’s value and impact became apparent rather quickly.
“Tyler was an excellent narcotics dog and seized the most narcotics in her career out of any other dog in Cheyenne PD history,” Koeppel said. “She was solid as a patrol dog and found many suspects through tracks and wind scenting, as well as being friendly with the public and great with kids.”
Tyler played a critical role in some of the department’s most successful busts, including a seizure of nearly 100 pounds of marijuana during a routine traffic stop.
In another case, Tyler helped recover over five pounds of methamphetamine and various other illegal drugs by signaling on a vehicle traveling from Denver to Montana suspected to belong to known dealers.
Her success didn’t go unnoticed. K9 Tyler earned top-scoring patrol dog honors in both 2021 and 2022. She was also named the top-scoring overall dog in 2022.
“Tyler was a dream to train and work with, as she learned new tasks easily and completed them enthusiastically,” Koeppel said. “When it came time to recertify every year, I was never worried about her performance.”
K9 Tyler’s impact goes beyond sniffing out drugs and tracking.
“I used her to help calm distressed kiddos on calls by letting them pet her, as she is the perfect combination of business when necessary and gentleness when needed,” Koeppel said.
K9 Tyler’s retirement was made official on June 4, 2025. Her sendoff included a celebration at the police department, where she donned a festive Hawaiian shirt, received an armful of new toys and treats, and stood beside her successor, K9 Tuco, who officially took over her role.
“It’s always bittersweet because I’m excited that she gets to live a safe and relaxing life now, but sad that she isn’t at work with me,” Koeppel said.
As for K9 Tyler’s future, Koeppel explained that the retired life is suiting her well.
“She is enjoying her retired life now full of camping trips, vacations, and fun,” Koeppel said. “She also gets to sleep in bed with me now.”
Happy Retirement, K9 Tyler!
