Mark Holmes

A twenty-four year Police Officer currently assigned in the Criminal Investigation Division for the last 11 years. Prior to his current assignment, Mark was a Field Training Officer for eight years. He is a member of SWAT, a Firearms Instructor, and Police Academy Instructor. Mark also holds the Master Peace Officer Certification from the State of Texas. Mark is a K-9 handler/trainer for the City of Port Arthur, Texas Police Department.

As a canine handler, Mark has been involved in many high profile cases throughout the United States, Mark and his K-9 partners have worked major cases assisting the FBI, U.S. Marshall's Office, Texas Rangers, and other federal, state, county and local Law Enforcement Agencies. He has also been called upon to assist the U.S. State Department, and the Mexican Consulates Office. Mark has also assisted on numerous Federal and State prison escapes.

Mark was the recipient of the 2002 Sophia Silva Award given for excellence in man trailing, which led to the saving of a human life. Mark is a nationally recognized canine man trailing instructor and founded and is president of both Texas Bloodhound Search and Rescue and the United States Man trailing Association. Mark has taught man trailing courses throughout the United States and has authored/ co-authored numerous training articles relating to canine man trailing and scent specific canine training.