Opinions Are My Own. If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it. - William Arthur Ward
Judicial Administrator/Podcaster
For many visitors from Europe, a first trip to Costco during the World Cup becomes a cultural experience on its own. The huge packages, endless variety, and products ranging from food to clothing, coolers, and even hot tubs show a different side of everyday shopping in the U.S.
It’s fun to see the surprise and excitement over something Americans sometimes take for granted. Even a simple Costco hot dog becomes a memorable moment because of the combination of taste, size, and value.
Travel is not only about seeing famous places; sometimes it’s about discovering small everyday differences between cultures. Who would have thought a warehouse store could become one of the highlights of a World Cup trip?
All the accolades Joel Bitonio received in his Browns career were well-deserved. He had an awesome day announcing his retirement. I have said this about only a handful of Browns players in the expansion era. He would have been a star on any Browns team in any era. An all-timer.
Anthony Bourdain died on this day eight years ago and him describing Waffle House is still the single-most important description of America that has ever been articulated.
K-9 Dexter takes treadmill time very seriously. The toy in his mouth? That is clearly part of his workout plan.
Thanks to Friends of Sierra Peaks, Dexter spends 30 minutes every two weeks running on a water treadmill. This low-impact conditioning helps keep him strong, ready for work, and less likely to get injured.
It also supports a longer, healthier career and, someday, a well-earned retirement with plenty of toy time. 🐾
Happy Birthday, K9 Anton! 🐾🎉
Today we proudly celebrate K9 Anton, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands who serves alongside Deputy Valbert.
Anton is trained in patrol operations and narcotics detection, and he brings focus, courage, and grit to every shift. He is a loyal partner, a trusted teammate, and a powerful force in keeping our community safe.
Off duty, Anton enjoys time with his family and his favorite Kong toy. But when it is time to work, Anton is all business.
Join us in wishing K9 Anton a happy birthday and thanking him for his outstanding service to Jefferson County.
Coffee run. Stolen car. Stolen guns. Foot chase. Shed hideout.
That was the path deputies followed after a man’s vehicle was stolen from a convenience store, along with his belongings and two guns inside the car.
Using the victim’s tracking devices, along with assistance from Lakewood Police, phone and drone technology, and K9 Ultimo, deputies located 35-year-old Fidel Garfio hiding in a shed behind a home. Because Garfio may still have been armed, deputies surrounded the shed and gave him several chances to surrender. He refused.
K9 Ultimo was deployed, and after the two met, Garfio quickly gave up.
Garfio is being held on a $20,000 cash-only bond for a variety of charges - five of those are felonies including theft over $20,000, motor vehicle theft, and possession of a weapon by a previous offender. He was also wanted in two other counties for serious domestic violence crimes.
K9 Ultimo usually gets the job done with his bark. In this case, his bite was, in fact, worse than his bark, and helped bring a dangerous situation to a safe end.
Good boy, Ultimo!
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a very special Pet Partners therapy dog, Kuzco. He crossed the Rainbow Bridge on April 22, 2026.
Kuzco, along with his therapy buddy Gary, became a beloved part of our JCSO family through Denver Pet Partners. Since 2022, Melanie Stopponi has brought Kuzco and Gary to the Mountain Precinct, offering deputies moments of comfort, connection, and relief at the start or end of their shifts.
Kuzco’s calm presence, gentle spirit, and unconditional love made a lasting impact on those who serve. Following the Evergreen tragedy, Melanie immediately expanded visits to make sure deputies on all shifts, as well as Evergreen Library staff, received support when they needed it most.
JCSO recently honored Melanie, Kuzco, and Gary with our K9 Graffit Outstanding Support Award in recognition of their compassion, service, and support for our agency.
Kuzco’s four paws and big heart carried more comfort than words ever could. We are grateful for every visit, every tail wag, and every quiet moment of peace he gave to our team.
Rest easy, sweet Kuzco. You were the very best boy, and you will be deeply missed. 🐾🌈
Happy 8th Birthday to K9 Axel!
National Superhero Day feels like the perfect day to celebrate one of our very own heroes, K9 Axel.
Axel, a German Shepherd born in Germany and trained in sunny Florida, proudly serves as a Patrol/Narcotics dog. Today, he turns 8 years old, which means he has officially earned extra praise, extra scratches, and probably an extra-large treat.
Off duty, Axel trades his superhero cape for house-dog mode, where he enjoys relaxing and playing with his favorite Kong toy. His name means “father of peace” in German, a fitting name for a loyal partner who helps keep our community safe.
Thank you, K9 Axel, for your dedication, loyalty, and service. To us, you are a true superhero every day, cape or no cape.
Please join us in wishing this hardworking pup a very happy 8th birthday!