For the second time in four years, Wyoming Department of Corrections Sgt. Jory Shoopman and her drug sniffing partner, Hunter, took "Top Dog" at a regional certifying course for the United States Police Canine Association.

The K9 unit placed first overall in the Detector Trial category for Region 14 -- which consists of Wyoming, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Hawaii -- with a score of 196.33 points out of 200.

“This past March, I’d estimate Hunter and I put in around 30 hours of training to get ready for the recertification test,” said Shoopman, adding that the pair also conducted 111 searches during the same time period.

"I’m extremely proud this year that we came in with the best score,” she added.

Shoopman and Hunter received their initial certification in 2016, and came in first place that year as well.

"It’s exciting to see Jory and Hunter being recognized and respected by a national organization," said Maj. Tim Rysell, who oversees the WDOC's Investigative Services Unit.

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