Bowling Green State Police get bomb-sniffing dog

Bomb dog Canine Jerry is introduced to the university during a press conference at the BGSU Bowen-Thompson Student Union in Bowling Green, Ohio.

BOWLING GREEN - Ohio Homeland Security officials today presented Bowling Green State University police with its new bomb-sniffing dog in front of about a dozen people. The explosive-detecting canine -- a Belgian Shepherd named Jerry -- is part of a pilot program intended to improve safety on college campuses and in surrounding areas.

Jerry is one of three dogs being funded by re-purposed federal grants from Ohio Homeland Security. Purchasing and training the dogs, as well as providing their veterinary care and equipment, costs about $12,700, which was funded by the grants.

“Jerry will save lives,” said Ohio Department of Public Safety Director John Born, who explained that the dogs are intended to be a “preventative measure” against violent attacks. 

Though the dogs will primarily work at their respective campuses, they can also aid local law enforcement officials if assistance is necessary, officials said.