BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University students, employees and visitors have come to know Lt. Kevin Wilson and Officer Yaya, a highly trained K-9 team specializing in explosives detection and tracking. Last year, a second K-9 team joined App State Police: Officer Tylor Greene and Officer Mitzi.

App State Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Andy Stephenson shared that having a second K-9 has long been a part of his vision for the university’s police department (APD).

“We were interested in having two explosive detection K-9s for quite some time. We need a minimum of two teams to provide adequate services for our campus events that draw thousands of visitors,” said Stephenson.

Stephenson shared that a generous donation from Mark Ricks, vice chair of App State’s Board of Trustees, made this second K-9 team possible, and Mitzi came on board with APD in 2022.

“In addition to detecting explosives, weapons and ammunition, Yaya and Mitzi are both excellent trackers. Their skills can be used in many ways to increase safety and security in our greater community,” explained Stephenson. “Their specialization in explosives detection and tracking is still uncommon in North Carolina, and our K-9 unit remains the only one in the region to offer these important public safety services.”

He added, “Our K-9 handlers, Lieutenant Kevin Wilson and Officer Tylor Greene, do an exceptional job to ensure that Yaya and Mitzi are highly trained and conditioned.”

App State Police K-9 teams are poised to help serve the surrounding community with pre-event safety sweeps or to help investigate serious crimes. Yaya and Mitzi have already been called upon to assist with functions and events for the Town of Boone, the Town of Blowing Rock and Watauga County Sheriff’s Office.

“If Mitzi or Yaya are available to help with an event or to help investigate a crime, we are eager to assist,” shared Greene.

Developing skills as a team

Greene has always had an interest in becoming a K-9 handler, he said, and an opportunity to work and train with K-9s during his policing career inspired him to pursue the specialization. Greene, who was born and raised in Watauga County, started his policing career with the Boone Police Department in 2008, later joining APD in 2016.

“I just remember listening to how the officer and the K-9 worked together. I thought about the bond they shared and how much fun it would be to share that type of bond with a K-9 myself,” said Greene.

Greene shared that a typical workday with Mitzi most often begins in the evenings.

“I normally work night shifts, so our day starts a little later than most, but Mitzi still makes some time during the day to just be a dog and play with my kids," he said. "When it is time to go to work, we both put on our uniforms; I put her work collar on her, and she knows it’s time to head out in the patrol car and focus on the shift. We also try to get in at least one training session.

“We generally do some type of training every day, whether it is detection work, tracking or obedience,” Greene continued. “I will often have another officer place test odors for us, so the exercise is unknown to Mitzi and me. We train with different odors and always mix them up so Mitzi keeps her skills sharp in locating different ones every training session.”

Lt. Wilson, who supervises the APD K-9 unit, schedules regular training sessions for both K-9 teams, giving the officers frequent opportunities to train together.

“Being able to train the dogs together helps both teams develop their skills and work alongside each other seamlessly,” Greene said.

When Mitzi and Yaya are off duty, they can often be found mingling with students and enjoying head scratches and pets on Sanford Mall. Like Yaya, Mitzi’s training is also toy driven, and she shares in Yaya’s love for tennis balls.

When asked about the possibility of the APD K-9 unit continuing to expand, Stephenson noted that a third team could be possible in the future as the App State campuses in Boone and Hickory continue to grow.

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Officer Greene’s advice on becoming a K-9 handler

When asked if he has any advice for new police officers interested in becoming part of a K-9 unit, APD Officer Tylor Greene shared the following:

“I would tell you to be prepared for a whole new lifestyle. It is a lot of work to care for any dog properly, but this is especially true of maintaining a police K-9’s high level of specialized training.

“Time must be devoted to a K-9’s work each and every day, and this will impact your family life, and so the decision to become a K-9 handler is one that you will make as a family,” he said.

Greene added that he believes the effort to become a K-9 handler is well worth it, “because these amazing dogs work tireless hours to help keep our community safe — just like you will, as a first responder.”

The opportunity to work with Mitzi “truly excites me,” Greene said, “but it is also one that I take very seriously.”

Greene expressed his admiration for Officer Mitzi and shared that the K-9 loves everyone she meets.

“I hope that everyone on campus and in the community will want to meet her too, because she is always down for a belly rub!” said Greene.

Appalachian Police Department

The Appalachian Police Department supports the university’s academic mission by working in partnership with the campus community to prevent crime, solve problems and improve the quality of life on campus. The department’s philosophy is one of proactive community engagement, collaboration and customer service, holding the safety and health of Appalachian’s community members as its top priorities.

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About the App State Police Department

Appalachian State University’s official policing agency — the App State Police Department — supports the university’s academic mission by working in partnership with the campus community to prevent crime, solve problems and improve the quality of life on campus. The department’s philosophy is one of proactive community engagement, collaboration and customer service, holding the safety and health of App State’s community members as its top priorities. State-certified police officers, security officers and civilian employees compose the department, and this team of professionals helps to create and maintain an inclusive sense of belonging for all members of the App State Community — students, faculty, staff and visitors. Additionally, through its efforts, the department aims to be a leader in innovative public safety ideas and strategies. Learn more at https://police.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.