Name?
Phenix, I am a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois and I have unlimited energy!
How long have you been with OSUPD?
I've been with OSUPD for my entire law enforcement career, about four years.
Where are you from and what kind of training have you gone through to become an OSUPD K9?
I’m from Europe where I was selected and trained as a puppy. I came to the United States and Ohio when I was 2 years old. I have been told my nose is a great tool and a lot of my training is to use it to recognize and locate specific odors. I have been trained to detect explosive odors in addition to being trained to help locate people and evidence when patrolling with my dad, otherwise known as my handler, Lieutenant Chuck Gierach.
What kind of work do you do as a police K9?
I’m partnered with my dad 24/7. When he goes to work I always go with him. We search large venues like Ohio Stadium and the Schottenstein Center for explosives as well as going with him on daily patrol duties like taking reports, checking buildings, and interacting with other Buckeyes. Sometimes Dad talks about me to students and lets me show off my skills. My dad calls it work but I think it's just a big game of hide and seek, where when I find something I'm supposed to I'll get my toy!
What’s your favorite part about the job?
The rush of finding something after a long sweep. I work hard and sometimes Dad puts out training odors to help keep my skills sharp so I'll be surprised. When I think I've checked everything and it's time to get back in the car, suddenly I smell the objective and when I correctly let Dad know, I get my toy to play with for a bit!
Why do you serve?
Being a police service dog is an amazing way to help protect the university community, especially during large events like Ohio State Football and smaller events like working night shift! To be a part of the overall safety plan for football game days and the campus in general is something I don’t take lightly and always want to put forth my best effort so people feel safe and enjoy themselves when they are on campus.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to hang out with dad at home with my Kong Ball, it's my favorite! Sometimes there’s a treat in the Kong Ball and it drives me nuts trying to get it out, but it keeps me focused for a while. I also like to play tug with dad and chase a ball around. I have a sister, a yellow lab, who likes to run around with me sometimes as well. Occasionally when Dad is watching TV and I hear a dog bark on the show, I'll focus on that for a bit to see what is happening. Also for some reason I have to bark every time the FedEx truck drives by.
What does it take to be a police K9?
It takes focus and discipline to be a police K9, especially at Ohio State. We have to be able to work in large crowds with loud noises, which can be overwhelming for some K9s. You also must be good at working as a team with not just Dad, but other Ohio State Police Officers. I trust Dad when we are working and I know he trusts me so we are very effective as a team working at OSUPD.
What’s the best part about being a Buckeye?
I like watching football because they throw and chase a ball around, which is pretty much the best sport ever. Even though it’s not a Kong ball I still think it’s pretty cool!