ISU police department adds first working dog

Judging by the reaction within the Iowa State police department offices, the newest addition to the force is the most popular, and it's not particularly close. Zak -- a 2-year-old Belgian Shepard -- strides in confident and ready to put his best paw forward as an explosives detection dog.

"To add more capability makes us a better department and makes our institution more safe and secure," said chief of the Iowa State police department Michael Newton. "Zak is the perfect dog for our agency and our institution because we want to be approachable and we want our K-9 to be approachable, too."

Zak, who weighs about 45 pounds and has his own passport, was born in Poland and trained at Pacesetter K-9 in suburban Austin, Texas. ISU officer and Zak's handler, Solomon Farner, joined him for a five-week training session. Farner and Zak were on duty for the first time March 22, two days after completing training. Zak's special nose is working in every room he enters, which adds up during eight- to 10-hour shifts with Farner. 

"He is trained to smell any odors that could be used to create an explosive device," said Farner, an ISU alumnus in his second year with the department.

Farner said the staff at Pacesetter K-9 chose Zak for ISU because of his drive, size and ability to perform the job. It helps that Zak has a calm demeanor. The addition means ISU won't need to rent other dogs as frequently from the University of Iowa, Johnston Police Department or the fire marshal.

"We host a number of large-scale events from sporting events to concerts, presidents and other dignitaries," Newton said. "To have the K-9 capability to do explosives assessment is important."

Finding the right officer

Zak brings plenty of benefits to the campus, but finding an officer who wanted to take on the significant responsibilities was equally important. The training course in Texas was as much for Farner as it was for Zak. For the dog to be successful, Farner had to learn how to properly sweep areas, looking for explosives, and recognize and act on cues Zak gives.

"He was essentially fully trained when I went down to Texas, but I had to learn his behavior," Farner said. "He does 90% of the work and I am there to do my 10%."

Zak may spin around, snap his head back or offer another cue to Farner that he has identified an explosives element. He also is trained to track and find missing people. He wears a black vest that asks people not to pet him, unlike the therapy dogs the department has used since 2019.

In addition to Zak -- who cost $16,000 including training -- Newton said the department purchased a vehicle that will be outfitted with equipment to safely transport Zak when he is working with Farner. It includes temperature detection to ensure Zak isn't in danger of being in the vehicle when it's too hot.

Work and rest

Farner and Zak will work their first major event on April 11 for country music artist Luke Combs's concert at Jack Trice Stadium.

"He will help sweep the stadium. Many of the security contracts that we have for those kinds of events require dogs to check for explosives," Newton said.

When not on the job, Zak lives with Farner, who has another dog for a family pet.

"He sleeps in our basement where it is a little darker so that he can rest because when he is working he does so much," Farner said. "He also has an outdoor area to use during the day, but I want to limit his stimulation right now so when we come to work, he is ready to go."

Canine officer for hire

Zak is owned by the university -- something Newton had been planning for since he started at ISU in 2017 -- but he is available for loan to those in need across the state. Farner, who grew up in Ames and attended Ames High School, travels with and handles Zak no matter where the assignment is.

"Hopefully, others will want Zak to work for them because just like we ask others for assistance, we want to be able to help them," Newton said. "I'v already had a few police chiefs reach out and ask if Zak is available."

When Zak works campus events -- like athletic contests or concerts -- or for others across the state, the department is compensated for both the handler and dog's time. Zak's calendar is already filling up, and Farner is planning numerous demonstrations on campus and around the area to show off Zak's capabilities.

Care partner

K-9 officers typically work between seven to nine years before retirement. During his service years, Zak will benefit from a health care partnership with the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Newton said Zak will receive primary care free of charge.