From October 9, 2011 to October 14, 2011, Officer Jeffrey Vaughan and Master Patrol Officer Gary Hanus attended the yearly canine certification sponsored by the Heart of America Police Dog Association (HAPDA) in Urbandale, Iowa. Both canine teams certified in both patrol operations and narcotic detection.

A total of 22 canine teams from Kansas, Iowa and Missouri attended certification. The teams were separated into two groups for certification and each group had a judge assigned.

During the week of certification each judge selected one canine team out of their group to attempt a Master Track based on their performance during the tracking phase of certification. The Master Track covered numerous terrains, multiple turns and covered a distance of approximately 400 yards. Officer Vaughan and Canine Riddik were selected and successfully completed the track. Officer Vaughan received the Master Track Award from HAPDA.

After certification was completed, HAPDA had a competition for the top patrol dog and the top narcotic detection dog. The canine teams were presented with different scenarios in each category that tested the training and caliber of the team. Officer Vaughan and Canine Riddik took first place in the patrol dog competition.