PSD Staff

Maria Cabrera – President

Maria is the administrative brain of Police Service Dogs, Inc. She retired after 20 years of service in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida in Miami where she served in the Administrative Office of the Courts as a supervisor over the IT helpdesk. As a supervisor, Maria maintained a staff of 10 employees catering to the IT needs of the Judicial Staff, in addition to training law enforcement officers on how to access the local and State/National systems (CJIS, FCIC/NCIC, DAVID, JIS). She currently handles the administrative workflow and marketing for Police Service Dogs, Inc.

Lazaro Cabrera – Training Director

Laz has a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and 15 years of service as a law enforcement officer. He is also a certified law enforcement K-9 handler, FDLE instructor and USPCA National Judge. He travels to Europe several times a year to personally test and purchase each dog that comes through the Police Service Dog program. His knowledge reflects his unique ability to honor and interpret his client’s needs. Laz has completed advanced training in various aspects of law enforcement that he has been able to apply to years of practical service as a law enforcement officer and K-9 handler. He has earned a reputation as a highly skilled, personable trainer with a keen understanding of the working dog industry. His innovative methods have helped him to incorporate his own creative style and he has dedicated himself in developing a legacy of excellent working dogs.

Mario Garcia – Head Trainer

Mario has been working with Police Service Dogs, Inc. for 18 years under the direction of Laz. As head trainer, he supervises day-to-day operations of the operational area of the training facility. He travels to Europe several times throughout the year to assist Laz in personally testing and selecting each service dog. Mario has attended various Bart Bellon seminars and workshops, and participated as a decoy in multiple Dick Van Leenen and Greg Thomas seminars. He trains law enforcement officers, assisting agencies with the transition of their working dogs when they are purchased and conducts detection training. He remains available for follow up questions and to troubleshoot issues that a handler might encounter once they are away from the training facility. Mario has been a vast influence in the training of Laz’s two National Champion police dogs (Mischka & Tarek) in addition to numerous dogs that have been recognized at a national level.