UNIVERSITY PARK, PA -
Penn State University Police and Public Safety added two new K-9 officers to its K-9 unit.
K-9 Bo is a 1-year-old German shepherd, handled by UPPS University Park Officer Dustin Miller, and K-9 Zain is a 2-year-old German shepherd, handled by University Park Officer Josh Quimby. Both canines come from a breeder specializing in law enforcement K-9s.
Both K-9s finished their training at the end of June and officially became a part of the UPPS (University Police and Public Safety) team at the start of July.
“We are excited to introduce Bo and Zain, our new K-9 unit members,” said Quimby. “These dogs are highly intelligent and have a natural instinct to protect. I am confident that they will make significant contributions to enhancing security and safety at Penn State and surrounding areas during their time with UPPS.”
Bo and Zain, together with their handlers, are based at University Park - Although, they will travel across the state to assist other Penn State campus locations and local law enforcement agencies in various search operations.
“The K-9 unit contributes to public safety efforts at University Park and Penn State’s campuses throughout Pennsylvania.
Their K-9 unit also routinely assists other law enforcement agencies as needed in emergency situations,” said University Police Lt. Matt White, who supervises the K-9 unit. “Utilizing police dogs is the most efficient and effective way to search large areas for explosives and threats because of their natural physical abilities, combined with their natural instincts and behaviors.”
The University Police established a K-9 unit in the 1990s.
"Bo and Zain are not only highly trained but also have an energetic and playful nature. Their ability to adapt and strong work ethic will surely make them integral assets to our team, " said Dustin Miller, University Park Officer.
Source: Penn State https://ow.ly/vG5M50PYAvy
Photo courtesy Penn State University Police and Public Safety