Program History

The K-9 Explosive Detection Team Program provides an additional element of safety and security to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and we are very fortunate to have a very dedicated group of officers and K-9's.

This program was established in March, 1972, at the direction of President Nixon after a TWA jet bound for Los Angeles from New York's JFK airport received an anonymous phone call minutes into the flight warning that a bomb was aboard. The aircraft returned to JFK, its passengers were evacuated, and a bomb sniffing German Shepherd named Brandy was brought onboard. Brandy found the explosive device just 12 minutes before it was set to detonate. In October of the same year, the FAA created the FAA K-9 Explosives Detection Team Program. The FAA teamed up with the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, the Department of Justice, the US Air Force, the Department of Defense Military Working Dog School, and Lackland Air Force Base in Texas to provide strategically placed and "well trained bomb squads" throughout the nation.

Sky Harbor International Airport K-9 Teams

Each officer works daily to keep his K-9 ready for action! When you see these teams throughout the airport, you will notice they are always in a "working" mode. The areas they work are not limited to just aircraft. They also work the terminal areas where vehicles park, where luggage is processed, and they work many warehouses, buildings, offices and parking lots. So you can rest assured that our K-9 team won't let anything slip by!

Funding

This special program is partially funded by the FAA. It's not only the cost of the dog, but the training, vehicle, veterinary visits, and not to mention all that dog food! Usually dogs must be at least 2 years old before they become a K-9 Team member. And as long as they stay healthy, they stay working! In some cases, if an officer retires, the K-9 may go to another Airport to continue working, or retire with the handler.