board members

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Our founder and chairman of the board, Tom Haubold, is a United States Air Force veteran and a retired police officer. After sustaining a traumatic brain injury in the line of duty, Tom has faced chronic migraines and balance challenges. While various treatments have provided limited relief, receiving a service dog made a profound difference in his quality of life. 

In addition, as the father of a child with a disability, Tom understands firsthand the daily challenges families face and the invaluable support a service dog can provide. His personal experiences fueled the mission of King 528 K9s to bring that same life-changing support to others in need.

My son, Officer Chris Farrar, proudly served with the Chandler Police Department for eighteen years, following his earlier service as a paramedic. When the demands of the job brought stress and anxiety, Chris found comfort in long rides with his dog, Phoebe, whose companionship was a constant source of peace. 

Chris was looking forward  to becoming a K-9 officer, and that dream came true when he was partnered with his K-9, Benzo. Though Benzo had not yet been introduced to our family before Chris's passing, when we first met him, he instinctively became calm, gentle, and responsive -almost as if he understood that we needed comfort. 

Chris had a passion for helping others, and after overcoming his own struggles, he made it a priority to support his fellow officers and community members in their battles with mental health. I am honored to be part of King 528 K9s, carrying forward my son's legacy of service, compassion, and healing.

I proudly served over 27 years in law enforcement with the Tempe (AZ) Police Department before retiring as a Police Sergeant in March of 2025. During my career I had the opportunity to supervise many critical incidents and provided support to officers, staff and members of the community as needed.

My service to the City of Tempe continues as I accepted the role of  Director of Safety and Security for the Tempe Elementary School District in April 2025, overseeing the protection of thousands of students, staff and visitors  across 26 school sites. 

Throughout my career, I have also seen firsthand the impact that service and therapy dogs can have in bringing comfort, strength, and healing during difficult times. 

Serving on the board of King 528 K9s is an honor, as it allows me to carry forward Officer Chris Farrar’s legacy while helping provide these life-changing companions to first responders, veterans, and families in need.