The K9 Unit at LAS plays a pivotal role in airport security, helping to detect explosives and other potential threats. But just like any employee, the airport’s working dogs need the right tools for the job.
The team recently upgraded its fleet of vehicles, ensuring that our four-legged heroes are as comfortable as they are effective.
The new vehicles are specially designed to meet the unique needs of these incredible working dogs, aiding them in their mission to keep our airport safe and secure.
“We're very fortunate this year that we received six new vehicles. These are canine-specific,” said LAS K9 Supervisor Kyle Chadwick. “They have kennel inserts in the vehicle, which keeps the handler, as well as the canine, safe in the event there's an accident.”
The vehicles are also equipped with a heat management system that controls and monitors the interior temperature while the teams respond to calls.
“So in case the vehicle fails or the AC shuts down, the windows will automatically go down,” Chadwick said. “There will be an audible sound coming from the vehicle and a page will go to the handler to notify them they need to immediately go check on the dog.”
He added that the new vehicles are also smaller and easier to maneuver, allowing handlers to respond quickly and efficiently to potential threats while prioritizing the wellbeing of their canine partners.
“So another benefit to this vehicle is that it's a lower profile. Our vehicles in the past were much higher, and the lower profile vehicle is much better for the dog jumping in and out,” he said. “And my personal benefit is that maneuvering them is easy.”
K9 teams handle thousands of unscheduled calls for service each year, responding to requests to inspect unattended vehicles and bags, and assisting with special baggage screening situations. When not responding to calls, they stay busy in public areas as a highly visible part of airport security.
Dogs and their human counterparts work, train and live together, resulting in a special bond.
“The bond is very important with your partner. That's established from day one, when the dog gets issued to you, and only grows more the longer you have the dog,” Chadwick said.
With the busy summer travel season fast approaching, these K9s and their handlers are more crucial than ever in maintaining the safety of travelers at LAS, one of the busiest airports in the country.
