In 2013, Kent State University began its K-9 program, providing an added layer of security to the university community and ensuring a safe campus environment. Kent State Police Services welcomed Coco, a German shepherd, to work with Sgt. Anne Spahr. A year later, Dexter, a Belgian Malinois, joined the force and partnered with Officer Miguel Witt. Both K-9s were explosive-detection dogs who kept the campus safe. Coco and Dexter also served communities in the area and throughout Ohio, responding to bomb threats.
After nine years of service, Dexter was diagnosed with cancer and died in April 2023. Coco retired in October 2023 following 10 years of K-9 work and died Jan. 12, 2024, after battling cancer.
The second generation of K-9s in Kent State’s program received certification in June 2023 and have officially joined the police force. The two new dogs are patrolling the campus with their K-9 handlers. Salem is a black Labrador retriever, who has been trained since he was a puppy by Spahr. Witt’s new partner is Fredy, a Czechoslovakian shepherd.
Watch the video to learn more about the Kent State K-9s, past and present, and how they help keep Kent State safe.
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Photos by Bob Christy and David Sands. Additional photos provided by Anne Spahr and Miguel Witt.
Archived video footage from 2014 by Jon Jivan and Dustin Lee.
Top Photo Caption:
(From left to right) Kent State University Police Sgt. Anne Spahr and Salem, a black Labrador retriever, walk with Kent State Police Officer Miguel Witt and Fredy, a Czechoslovakian shepherd, along the Lefton Esplanade on the Kent Campus.