To Officer Tim Hetrick, dogs are more than man’s best friend. As canine coordinator for the University Police Department, Hetrick combines his love of dogs with his desire to help others.

Hetrick’s primary responsibility is to manage the activities of the University’s canine unit and train the dog handlers. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Division of Public Safety’s new canine explosives-detection unit, which consists of a bomb-sniffing dog, Nala, and her handler, Officer Troy Chew.

Hetrick considered the need for an explosives-detection canine unit to be very important for the safety of the University community.

“In the climate we live in today, explosives are everywhere, terrorist actions are all over the world, not just in Iraq,” he said. “Even on campus, a well-placed explosive could have terrible effects.”

Kris Fitzpatrick, University Police Department assistant chief, said Hetrick approached her with the idea that a bomb-sniffing dog would be a nice compliment to the University’s existing explosives-disposal team.

“Budget times were tight, and I told him (the department) would have to come up with the funding,” she said.

Hetrick began efforts to purchase Nala in September of last year. He led a team of two officers to research and find price estimates. The total project cost $40,000, Hetrick said.

Hetrick raised funds and support from various campus units, including the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Division of Campus Recreation, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and the Mothers’ and Dads’ Associations. He also sought the support of Willard Airport, which makes frequent use of the dog, he said. Hetrick also went to various training facilities to look at their programs.

Nala arrived at the University in August after completing training with Hetrick and Chew in Michigan.

“It took creativity and initiative on the part of (Hetrick),” Fitzpatrick said. “He is another example of what can happen when an officer gets an idea and follows through.”

Sergeant Matthew Myrick is supervisor of the University Police Department’s canine unit and works with Hetrick daily.

“He took the reigns with the project,” Myrick said. “He’s very organized and very intelligent, and he knows about canine units, which has been a great asset to our department here.”

Having working and trained with around 40 dogs over the past five years, Hetrick said he has plenty of experience working with canine units. Hetrick said he loves the satisfaction he gets from working with dogs and handlers to accomplish life-saving tasks.

“I’ve loved being a SWAT officer and a canine handler,” he said. “But the training this past year has been the most exciting thing I’ve done during my career.”

Dogs can be trained to find anything from termites to cancer, Hetrick said. However, he said canine-handling takes a special type of person.

“In no other part of law enforcement do you take your work home with you every night,” he said. “It becomes like they’re your child; it’s a relationship you can’t really explain unless you’ve been in it.”

Hetrick’s normal shift usually lasts from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. However, his schedule changes according to what is happening with the dogs and their handlers. Because Nala is new to the department, Hetrick spends a majority of his time working with her and Chew.

He accompanies the canine explosives-detection unit to the airport and assists them on bomb sweeps. They also search any major event that draws a large crowd or controversy, Hetrick said. He also coordinates demonstrations of Nala’s skills.

Hetrick raised German Shepherds before becoming a police officer and currently has three of his own.

The Indiana native enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school and then worked in a variety of professions, including sales and construction. He decided to pursue a career in law enforcement because it was a lifelong dream.

“I think everybody who wants to be a cop deep down likes to help people and do things for other people,” he said. “Most cops also fall in love with the action you see on movies and TV, but that is one percent of what we do.”

Hetrick came to the University in 2002 after working 10 years for the Danville Police Department where he was a canine handler and S.W.A.T. team member.

Hetrick said the most fulfilling aspect of his job is to make a difference in the lives of others. He also enjoys working on a college campus because of the students. He said there is a more positive perception of police on a university campus.

“I love it, it’s the best move I’ve ever made up to this point,” he said. “I gave up a lot to come here.”