Cleveland State ‘flexes’ safety muscles with new K-9 officer

Written in association with the Cleveland Daily Banner.

With a wagging tail and eager anticipation to get to work soon, Flex, Cleveland State Community College’s first-ever K-9 officer, was introduced to the public in a ceremony that underscored the college’s innovative approach to campus safety.

Andy White, president of Cleveland State, expressed the college’s commitment to student safety at the community event on Friday, July 19.

“In addition to educating people, part of our responsibility is to secure the place and provide a safe opportunity to study and network,” White said.

He praised Deputy Chief Tim Fowler for his innovative efforts in securing a grant to bring Flex to the campus at no expense to the college.

Fowler, who joined Cleveland State nearly a year ago, provided an in-depth look at Flex’s training and role.

“I came to work here part-time, and through a partnership with the college and the constable office, we began researching and securing grants for a campus K-9 unit,” he said.

The acquisition of Flex, a German shorthaired pointer, was made possible through a series of grants. The first grant came from the company that provided Flex, and the second from Canine Reunite, a well-regarded organization in the field, according to Cleveland State.

Fowler mentioned that they are awaiting two additional grants to fully cover the expenses associated with Flex.

Flex, the 19-month-old explosive detection dog, has been in training since he was a puppy. Fowler underwent intensive training in Ohio, completing 160 hours over two weeks to learn how to handle Flex. Since then, they have continued to train four hours weekly alongside other county K-9 handlers.

During the event, Fowler demonstrated Flex’s capabilities by placing training devices around the Health and Science building. The devices, designed to simulate explosive materials, were hidden in various locations to test Flex’s detection skills.

With his nose to the ground and stiff tail, Flex methodically searched the area, quickly identifying the hidden devices.

“Flex made 100 on his passing score because he had to do a practical exercise to find training devices,” Fowler noted.

He said Flex is a single-purpose explosive detection dog.

“He’s trained exclusively for bomb threats, making him ideal for a college setting where safety and public relations are crucial,” Fowler said.

Fowler also emphasized the importance of ongoing training, saying, “He’s still kind of a puppy, so we do four hours of training every week to ensure he’s always at his best. Training is crucial for both of us to continue improving and adapting.”

Flex’s presence extends beyond the campus. Thanks to statewide mutual aid agreements, he can assist in nearby schools and communities, enhancing regional security.

“Our main goal as your Community Campus Police Department is to ensure that everyone on campus feels safe,” Fowler said. “Flex is not only skilled in his work but also a great public relations dog who loves interacting with people.”

White highlighted the broader impact of having Flex on campus, stating, “It’s not only something that enhances the safety and security of the campus, but it’s also a channel for learning as well.”

As Cleveland State looks to the future, the introduction of Flex signifies a broader commitment to innovative safety measures and community collaboration. White highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “This makes our campus an even more welcoming and secure place for all.”