Sage, a white English Labrador puppy and the newest member of the Utah State University police force, interacts with students and her handler USU Police Sgt. Shane Nebeker. Image is a screenshot of a video by Taylor Emerson, Digital Journalist, University Marketing & Communications
LOGAN – The newest officer on duty at the Utah State University Police Department seems assured of spending most of her life on the job, despite her limited experience.
And at 14 weeks of age she is a bit young.
Sage is a white English Labrador puppy joining the department as a Critical Incident, Crisis Response and Community Engagement K-9.
Chief of Police Jason Brei said she’s a hit already, following a few trips around campus with her handler, USU Police Sgt. Shane Nebeker.
“One of the crucial components of this whole theory behind the installment and having Sage be a part of us, is that four feet up that leash there is a human being, there is an officer,” Brei explained. “There have been barriers, there’s been some blocks in recent years of community engaging with our personnel in law enforcement — not so much here at USU PD — but in the nation. And that helps break down barriers.”
Brei said she has more training to complete and more growing left to be fully equipped for her role.
“As she grows she’ll be given more and more exposure to the community and more increased training with specifics to what her role will be,” Brei added. “We’re hoping as she grows, and she’s growing here in the community, that about at age 1 year she should be pretty close to being completed with any other certification she will have.”
Chief Brei said Sage will help officers calm survivors of traumatic events.