Retired DuPage County Bomb Dog Dies at 13

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — Utah, the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office 13-year-old bomb dog, has died.

“Utah was one of the rarest Canines the Sheriff’s Office has ever had,” Sheriff John Zaruba said in a news release. “K-9 Utah was at one time the only Explosive Detection K-9 in DuPage County. He spent his life protecting the citizens of DuPage County in and out of the DuPage County Courthouse until he retired in 2012” he stated.

Utah was donated to the Sheriff’s Office by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). At no cost to the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Ken Diebert and K-9 Utah went to Front Royal, Virginia for 10 weeks where Utah was trained and certified in detecting over nineteen thousand different explosives.

Although Utah was trained by ATF, his primary duties and responsibilities were with the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Diebert and Utah were assigned to the courthouse as their primary assignment and the team was tasked with searching packages and vehicles, as well as conducting sweeps at the county complex.

K-9 Utah was also utilized by the Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Devices Unit. He was used to search many facilities, both public and private for explosive devices, guns, bullets or other potential threats. Many dignitaries such as President George Bush, Hillary Clinton and Vice President Dick Cheney benefited from K-9 Utah’s abilities to clear venues for their speaking engagements or hotels where they may be staying.

“K-9 Utah was a fantastic Explosive Detection Canine as well as the best partner anyone could ask for” said Handler Deputy Ken Diebert. “Utah crossed the rainbow bridge Wednesday, he will be solely missed but his presence will be felt in the hallways of the Courthouse forever.”

photo via the DuPage County Sheriff's Office