Campus Life

K-9 explosives expert retires from Penn State with honors

Wynne, a K-9 explosives detection expert, retired after eight years of service with Penn State Police and Public Safety. The department held a retirement party for Wynne on Oct. 28. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — After eight years with the University Police and Public Safety office, Wynne, a 10-year-old explosives detection canine, gets to enjoy the retired life.

The yellow Labrador retriever first came to Penn State in 2007 after he didn’t make the cut as a service dog. He was “too energetic” — a characteristic that disqualified him for life as a service animal but made him a perfect candidate for police dog work. Lt. Matt White, Wynne’s handler, said that the playful pup's desire to play and engage with his handler made him a great fit for their work.

Wynne, a K-9 explosives detection expert with Penn State Police Services, was honored with a retirement party on Oct. 28. He was recognized with speeches, a plaque and cake, but his favorite retirement gift, by far, was a giant bone. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Wynne was the third police canine and second trained to detect more than 20 different types of explosives at Penn State. The hours were long but, according to White, Wynne “never quits… he never gives up.” While he’s still a healthy dog, most police canines retire at 9 or 10 years old.

Wynne, a K-9 explosives detection dog, was honored with a plaque, some puppy treats and a congratulatory hand shake from Director of Penn State University Police Tyrone Parham during a retirement celebration held Oct. 28. Wynne served with his partner, Lt. Matt White, for eight years with Penn State Police and Public Safety. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

The unit estimated that Wynne worked 56 Penn State home games in his career. He’s done protective services for ambassadors and sitting presidents, has worked with local high schools, and was on protective detail for the Little League World Series. Wynne has traveled from Philadelphia to Monroeville, assisting police departments in homicides and other cases.

Penn State Police Lt. Matt White and his partner Wynne trained together and traveled around Pennsylvania to offer their explosives detection expertise for eight years. Wynne officially retired from Penn State Police Services and Public Safety and will live with White and his family. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

Wynne was honored for his work at Penn State with a retirement party at the Beaver Stadium Police Station on Oct. 28. Treats, a plaque, and a congratulatory handshake from Director of Penn State University Police Tyrone Parham were highlights of the celebration of the hardworking canine. Asked what Wynne’s retirement plans are, White, who adopted Wynne upon the pup’s retirement, said, “relaxing and getting to be a pet.” And, maybe, getting a little spoiled.

Last Updated November 2, 2015

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