Officer Zoomer: The nose behind campus safety

When Sgt. Scott Murray heads to work at the USU Police Department, he’s never alone — his partner Zoomer is always by his side.

Zoomer, a six-year-old black English Labrador Retriever, is USU’s tactical K-9. He specializes in explosives detection, and together he and Murray ensure the safety of campus and community events.

The department currently has two K-9 units: Zoomer and Sage, the critical incident and crisis response K-9.

“Zoomer is an awesome dog, and it’s been fun working with his handler because we get to bounce ideas off of each other,” said Officer Shane Nebeker, Sage’s handler.

This focused role allows him to excel at his job, which includes searching Maverik Stadium and the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum for explosives before games.

“He has to sit or give a final indication and must stare at that general direction of the odor,” Murray said.

In addition to working on campus, Zoomer assists in the community.

“He’s the only bomb dog in northern Utah, so he gets an opportunity to do other things off the campus as well,” Nebeker said.

Training a dog like Zoomer was no small feat. He was selected in 2020 for his high energy and drive, a trait crucial for explosives detection work.

“You’ve got to have a dog with the hunt drive,” Murray said. Labs, particularly English Labradors, are a popular choice for this reason.

Zoomer’s training began with a process called imprinting.

“We introduce various explosive odors and play games to associate the odors with a reward, like his favorite tennis ball,” Murray said.

Although Zoomer has been on the force for four years, his training is still ongoing. Zoomer and Murray are required to pass Utah Peace Officer Standards and Trainings for training explosive detection dogs annually, so they have weekly sessions to keep Zoomer sharp.

“We certify as a team,” Murray said. “He needs consistent practice to ensure he’s ready for real-life situations.”

When Zoomer is on duty, he’s unmistakable. He wears a special gray collar that signals it’s time to work.

“It’s all about rituals and routines — as soon as I put it on, he knows it’s time to get serious,” Murray said

Zoomer’s workday starts early, especially on busy days like Saturday football games. At 5 a.m., he conducts a pre-sweep of the stadium, checking for anything suspicious.

Later, he inspects the visiting team’s luggage at their hotel and sweeps buses before they arrive at the stadium.

“This ensures we create a safe place for fans to enjoy the game,” Murray said.

During events, Zoomer’s job isn’t over. Murray and Zoomer patrol the stadium perimeter, keeping an eye out for anything unusual, like an abandoned backpack.

If something appears suspicious, Zoomer quickly assesses the situation. His ability to sniff out potential threats in seconds is critical for public safety.

The bond between Murray and Zoomer is undeniable. After working together for over four years, the two have developed a deep connection.

“He spends more time with me than my family,” Murray said.

This close relationship is essential, as Murray needs to read Zoomer’s behavior to know when he’s found something or tired. Murray carefully monitors Zoomer’s energy levels during long shifts, ensuring he gets breaks when needed.

“When his tongue starts hanging out and he loses some drive, I know it’s time to let him rest,” Murray said.

Despite his intense work ethic, Zoomer knows how to unwind. Off duty, he’s just like any other dog. He enjoys playing with tennis balls or his King Kong toy in Murray’s backyard.

“He knows the difference between work and play,” Murray explains. “When we get home, I take his work collar off and he relaxes.”

Zoomer’s work is not without risks. Some explosive materials used in training can be harmful if inhaled. Murray is always cautious in ensuring Zoomer’s safety.

“The biggest thing I worry about is exposure to something he shouldn’t get to,” Murray said.

While Zoomer has never found a live explosive in a real-life scenario, his training ensures he’s prepared.

“The day he finds something in real life will make the hair on the back of my neck stand up,” Murray said. “A good career for him means never finding anything real.”

At six years old, Zoomer is approaching the typical retirement age for working dogs, though Murray believes he could work another two or three years.

“It all depends on joint problems or other issues that might pop up as he gets older,” Murray said.

When the time comes for Zoomer to hang up his work collar, his legacy will be one of dedication, vigilance and the unbreakable bond between a handler and his dog.

For now, Zoomer remains a vital member of USU’s police team, ensuring a safe environment for students, staff and visitors.

“He’s a working dog, but he’s also my partner,” Murray said. “I couldn’t ask for a better one.”