City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
Officer Hindman, K-9 Zeke, Officer Magallanes & K-9 Marley, K-9 Rita, Officer Mayo | Photography by Sunny Rajabi

Featured Article

K-9s of Courage

Meet the five K-9s who protect and serve our schools

Article by Laura SanchezQuan

Photography by Daniel Arizpe | Apollo Productions & Sunny Rajabi | Sunburst Photography

Originally published in Cypress Lifestyle

Since 2018, the Cy-Fair ISD Police Department's K-9 Unit has played an important role in keeping campuses safe. The team consists of five exceptional K-9 officers and their handlers—four trained in narcotics detection and one specializing in explosives detection. Whether conducting campus searches, assisting patrol officers, or engaging students through educational demonstrations, these hardworking teams combine specialized skills with an unwavering commitment to protecting the Cy-Fair community.

To get to know the teams beyond the badge, we sat down with them—and even asked the K-9s a few questions of their own—for a fun look at the personalities behind these remarkable four-legged officers.

 

Koa

Officer M. Collins

Officer Mannesha Collins began her law enforcement career in 2020 with the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office and has proudly served the Cy-Fair ISD Police Department and community since 2021. On May 30, 2025, she joined the department’s K-9 Unit as a handler.

K-9 Koa, joined the Cy-Fair ISD Police Department in February 2023. An English Springer Spaniel born in Poland and imported to the United States, Koa is specially trained in Explosive Odor Detection (EOD), helping keep Cy-Fair ISD campuses and events safe.

K-9 Q&A with Koa

What is your favorite chew toy? 

Red Kong/ Tennis ball.

Who is your partner? 

Officer Collins!

What makes your tail wag? 

When I know my mom is getting ready for work. I get excited because I know I get to go play hide and seek!

Do you prefer belly rubs or head scratches? 

Belly rubs.

What schools do you patrol? 

I patrol all of the elementary, middle, and high schools located in the Cy-Fair school district. 

What's your favorite part of the job? 

Working side by side with my favorite human and getting my Kong as a reward.

A message from Officer Collins: My K-9 partner is more than just a working dog, she's a teammate. Watching her do what she loves and seeing how excited she gets when it’s time to work is one of the most rewarding parts of being a handler. Her drive, loyalty, and dedication helps keep our community safe every day.


 

Loki

Officer A. Olivares

Officer Alejandro Olivares has served with the Cy-Fair ISD Police Department for nine years, three of them as a K-9 handler. He attended Texas Southern University, where he studied Criminal Justice and competed as a student-athlete on the university’s baseball team. Outside of work, Officer Olivares enjoys spending time with his eight-year-old daughter, Mariella. He stays active playing in a local baseball league and competing on a men’s slow-pitch softball team. His passion for the sport has also provided opportunities to travel and compete internationally during his free time.

K-9 Loki is a Belgian Malinois and German shepherd mix and was born in Poland. Loki is 4 years old and has had three years of service. 

K-9 Q&A with Loki

What is your favorite chew toy?

My favorite chew toy is my red Kong with a rope, and I like to play tug-o-war with my dad. 

Who is your partner? 

My partner everyday is my dad.

What makes your tail wag? 

The things that make my tail wag and make me happy are my Kong, my dad, and pup cups! 

Do you prefer belly rubs or head scratches?

This is a hard choice, but I love head rubs! 

What schools do you patrol?

The schools I currently patrol are Cy-Lakes, Langham Creek, Cy-Falls, Cy-Ridge, and all the schools that feed into these high schools! 

What's your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is to find illegal contraband and get rewarded with my Kong and knowing that I'm making the schools and community safer. 

A message from Officer Olivares: One thing I would like to let the readers know is the time and effort Loki and I put into training to assure that the students, staff, and community are safe. 

Marley

Officer V. Magallanes

Officer Victor Magallanes has six years of law enforcement experience. He began his career with the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office and spent four school years assigned to Langham Creek High School before receiving his K-9 assignment with the Cy-Fair ISD Police Department.

K-9 Marley is a 2½-year-old German Shepherd born in Hungary on January 9, 2024. As the newest member of the Cy-Fair ISD Police Department K-9 Unit, Marley is already prepared to serve and make a positive impact. Trained as a police K-9 partner, Marley understands commands in Dutch and works alongside Officer Victor Magallanes.

K-9 Q&A with Marley

What is your favorite chew toy? 

My favorite toys are my black and red Kong. 

Who is your partner?  

Officer Victor Magallanes.

What makes your tail wag?  

Seeing Dad put on his uniform makes my tail wag because I know it's time to go to work together. 

Do you prefer belly rubs or head scratches? 

I prefer belly rubs. Head scratches mess up my hair.  

What schools do you patrol? 

I patrol all over the district. 

What's your favorite part of the job? 

My favorite part of the job is seeing the kids smile while I'm walking the hallways. I love meeting students and helping them feel safe every day.

A message from Officer Magallanes: K-9s like Marley dedicate countless hours to training in detection and obedience. We ask a lot of our K-9 partners every day. They work long hours, train continuously, and are always ready when called upon. Being a successful K-9 team takes commitment from both the handler and the dog. It is truly a partnership built on trust, loyalty, and teamwork. These dogs give their all without hesitation, and they become much more than working partners. They become family. K-9s like Marley are a true example of why dogs are known as man's best friend.

Rita

Officer G. Mayo

Officer Glen Mayo is a retired K-9 Officer from the Houston Police Department and became a Cy-Fair ISD PD K-9 handler in 2018 after 27 years at HPD. He has been both a Narcotics and Explosive K-9 Handler. K-9 Rita just became my new narcotics partner after K-9 Astra retired in May of this year after 8 years of service. K-9 Rita is a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois full of energy and drive.

K-9 Q&A with Rita
What is your favorite chew toy? 

My Red Kong!

Who is your partner?  

Glen Mayo!

What makes your tail wag? 

When I find narcotics, it’s time to get my kong.

Do you prefer belly rubs or head scratches? 

Belly Rubs.

What schools do you patrol?  

CFISD High Schools, Middle Schools and Elementary Schools.

What's your favorite part of the job?  

Getting into the truck in the morning because I know we are on our way to work and it’s so much fun.  We start out our day checking the playgrounds at Elementary Schools and then we go to High Schools and Middle Schools and get to work there.
 

A message from Officer Mayo: Working K-9’s are a lot different than pets that you may have at home. If you ever approach a K-9 please ask the handler if it is ok to pet the dog.  Working K-9’s love their jobs and enjoy every moment that they get to work. 

Zeke

Officer P. Hindman

Officer Paul Hindman began his law enforcement career in 1992 as a Deputy Constable in Corpus Christi. Throughout his career, he has worked in drug interdiction, corrections, and patrol operations with several agencies. In 2001, he moved to Houston to serve as an agent with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

He joined the Cy-Fair ISD Police Department in May 2015, where he has served on the night patrol shift, worked in Campus Operations at Cy-Woods High School, and now serves as a K-9 handler alongside his partner, K-9 Zeke.

K-9 Zeke, a German Shepherd born in Poland on April 25, 2022, was brought to the United States by Pacesetter K-9. Like the other dogs in the unit, Zeke is trained in narcotics detection and plays a vital role in supporting the department's mission.

K-9 Q&A with Zeke

What is your favorite chew toy? 

My favorite toy is the kong.

Who is your partner? 

My partner is Officer Hindman.

What makes your tail wag? 

Being praised by my handler for doing a good job.

Do you prefer belly rubs or head scratches? 

Either one, I like attention.

What schools do you patrol? 

Bridgeland, Cy-Ranch, Sprague, Smith, Cy-Springs, Hopper, Park and Rowe as well as the elementaries in the area of those schools.

What's your favorite part of the job?  

Anytime I am at work and get the opportunity to look for contraband in the schools, I am happy.  I also like meeting and interacting with our elementary students.

A message from Officer Hindman: As a law enforcement officer, I appreciate all the support this community shows for our department and our K-9 program. We strive to provide the best possible service to the students, staff and taxpayers of Cy-Fair ISD. Feel free to say hello when you see us out and about.

Businesses featured in this article