University Police -- K-9 Unit

Created in 2002, the UTPD K-9 unit consists of Lt. John Betori and his four-legged partner, Boomer. They specialize in the detection of explosives and tracking.

Lt. Betori graduated from the University of Toledo in 2002 with a BS in Public Administration. Hired as a UT Police Officer in 1989, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1994, and to the rank of Lieutenant later in 1994. 

Lt. Betori was one of two UT police officers who was assigned to the Northwest Ohio Joint Terrorism Task Force following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He worked on the task force full time for almost a year, until Boomer was acquired.

Boomer is a pure bred German Shepherd from Germany. Born January 15, 2001, he was purchased by UT Police through Von der haus Gill Kennel, in Wapakoneta, Ohio. The kennel is a nationally-known supplier of law enforcement service dogs. 

Lt. Betori and Boomer completed 8 weeks of training at the Kennel during the summer of 2002, and began full-time service on the UT campus in August, 2002. They are one of the only K-9 units in northwest Ohio that specializes in the detection of explosives.   

In addition to serving the UT campus, the pair also assist area law enforcement agencies with bomb threats and tracking, when requested. To see a list of some of the unit's activity, check the K-9 Unit Activity Log.