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Cameron Ford Owner / Trainer
| (CLET)
Certified Law Enforcement Trainer
(American Society of Law Enforcement Training)
Cameron brings Universal K-9 customers a rich diversity of
K-9 experiences. In the early 1990s, he was an assist trainer
and kennel hand for general obedience classes and dog boarding.
In 1995, Cameron met the 400-hour Police FDLE K-9 certification
standards as a civilian; in 2001, he was re-certified in this
same program. Cameron has also spent time as a veterinarian's
assistant where he gained basic canine medical knowledge.
In 1996, he entered the United States Air Force as a Security
Police Military Working Dog Handler. After completing the
school at Lackland AFB, Cameron was stationed at Ramstein
AFB in Germany. During his first years there, he was a certified
narcotics/patrol dog handler. As a narcotics dog handler,
Cameron was assigned a support role with the Joint Drug Enforcement
Task Force, a multi-agency drug interdiction unit. In 1998,
Cameron became a certified explosive/patrol dog handler. During
his time as a bomb dog handler, he was assigned to support
the United States Secret Service, U.S. State Dept. and other
foreign national agencies in direct support of former President
Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, U.S. Senators and a host
of other VIPs and foreign dignitaries. While living in Europe,
Cameron developed a lasting relationship with the German Polizei
of Rhineland Phaltz. As a result, Cameron was afforded the
unique opportunity to attend the prestigious Deinsthundefurer
(service dog handler) school in Eckenbach where he achieved
a DPO 2 title with his dog "Maik". |
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Cameron
Ford owns and operates Universal K-9 inc. with one goal in mind to provide top
quality training, services, dogs and equipment to you the customer. . |
| To further educate himself, Cameron attended another
top European K-9 school the DHLP Scent dog school in Nunspeet in Holland,. Nunspeet
specializes in scent work (bomb, drug, cadaver, arson, tracking and scent ID).
The knowledge gained from this training program and utilization of scent dogs
has proved invaluable to Universal K-9. | Cameron has
established a wealth of relationships with numerous dog vendors, trainers and
equipment manufacturers. With one manufacturer, in particular, he spent a multitude
of hours researching and developing new products for police service dogs, as well
as working to improve existing products. Cameron is also actively involved in
the sport of Schutzhund. After joining his local club and becoming a member of
the German SV, he learned to become a helper (decoy) and improve his handling
skills in the sport. During this time, he also operated a dog obedience school
that trained approximately 175 dogs in general and advanced obedience.
In late 2000, Cameron was honorably discharged from the military, receiving the
Air Force Achievement Medal for his work as a K-9 handler. After returning
to Florida, Cameron established Universal K-9 Inc. He has continued his education,
attending numerous seminars and assisting in the training of Police dogs. Cameron
is a member of the USPCA, NAPWADA, DAD/DAC, DVG, and Schutzhund USA. Cameron has
worked as a helper for two local Schutzhund clubs and has competed successfully
in the sport. His bomb dog handler background and experience have become extremely
valuable since September 11th, providing bomb dog support to local police, airports,
cruise ships and private security firms. Cameron has also been tasked to train
future bomb dogs and their handlers, plus both Police and security personnel in
the fight against terrorism. Let his experience and staff work for you!!! Kelly
Ford Manager / Trainer
| Kelly began her K-9 career in 1996 at Lackland
AFB as a military working dog handler. Upon completing school, Kelly went on to
Minot AFB where she certified as a patrol/drug dog handler, working and supporting
local city and base operations. In 1997, Kelly was assigned to Ramstein AB Germany,
where she was certified as a patrol/bomb dog handler. As a bomb dog handler, Kelly
was assigned to support the United States Secret Service, U.S. State Dept, and
local national governments. Her assignments have further included support for
former President Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Secretary of State Madeline
Albright and numerous VIPs and foreign national dignitaries. Kelly was sent to
Saudi Arabia as a bomb dog handler in support of Operation Southern Watch, for
which she received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in recognition of her
hard work and efforts. In 1999, Kelly won the Ramstein's military working dog
competition and was selected to represent the U.S. Air Force in Europe at the
Department of Defense's World Wide Military Working Dog Championship; she placed
10th out of 57 competitors. In 1998, Kelly was honored as the Federal Women of
the Year for the Armed Forces in Europe. Kelly has also assisted in dog obedience
training and has trained in the sport of Schutzhund. Since September 11th, Kelly's
experience and her bomb dog, Lara, have been put to use in support of a local
airport. She also trains numerous dogs in bomb detection for their future handlers.
Kelly is the friendly voice you will hear when you call us at Universal K-9. |
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Matthew Gibbs Trainer / Decoy (K-9 SWAT Operations)
| Matthew brings a wide variety of experience to Universal
K-9 … from his SWAT training and K-9 street knowledge to his numerous certifications
to USPCA PD-1 standards. Matt has attended the FBI, Orange County (FL), and Apopka
(FL) Police SWAT schools. He is a FDLE Certified K-9 instructor, and is certified
in K-9 unit management. He is a graduate of Tennessee Tech University with a B.S.B.A.
in Business Administration and Marketing. Matt has been a Police officer and K-9
handler for a local Central Florida Police Department since 1995 and currently
works a Dual-purpose Patrol/Bomb dog. Matt helps train dogs and handlers at Universal
K-9 in Patrol/Drug/SWAT operations. He also assists the training of Decoys in
our classes. | |  |
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