SUU Welcomes New K9 Officer to the Force

Published: January 14, 2025 | Read Time: 1 minutes

Cedar City, UT – This week, the Southern Utah University Police Department (SUUPD) welcomed its newest recruit: an officer with four legs, a wagging tail, and a penchant for hard work. Thunder, a two-year-old black Labrador Retriever, can now be seen patrolling campus alongside his handler, Officer Marshal Gunter.

Thanks to a generous grant awarded by the LEA Task Force, the SUUPD was able to acquire this specialized dog, who was born in Canada and raised by Next Level K9 in Moapa, Nevada.

"We welcome Thunder to the SUU family," said Tiger Funk, Vice President of Operations. “Chief Medina and Officer Gunter have worked hard to bring this resource to SUU. The chief and his department are doing great work to maintain SUUPD’s mission and commitment to campus safety. Thunder comes to us from one of the top service dog providers in the country. His skills will be invaluable to our campus and community." 

Thunder's presence on campus mirrors the efforts of other higher education institutions to enhance campus safety with K9 units. This is one more example of SUU's dedication to providing a secure environment for everyone at the institution. We believe that when students feel safe, they can fully focus on their academic, social, and personal growth.

 

About Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University is a vibrant public university located in the heart of the stunning southern Utah landscape. Known for its innovative academic programs, strong sense of community, and commitment to student success, SUU offers a unique and enriching educational experience.

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Tags: Campus Student SUU Police Community

Contact Information:

Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu