Have You Met UAPD’s Newest Officer?

Have You Met UAPD’s Newest Officer?

UA’s newest furry friend is spreading joy and warming hearts across campus.

Kenny, a 2-year-old mixed breed, is the newest officer in The University of Alabama Police Department’s K-9 unit. As the community services K-9, Kenny’s duty is to bring smiles and comfort to campus.

“As a member of our Community Oriented Policing Division, Kenny creates opportunities for our officers to build relationships and foster trust among our students,” said UAPD Officer Marshall Wade, Kenny’s human partner.

Kenny was rescued from the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter earlier this summer and started his beat just in time for the new semester.

“What I hear from students when they are petting him or playing with him is a lot of them miss their pets from home,” Wade said. “Kenny gives them the opportunity to love on a dog or play with a pet that they don’t have to take responsibility for.”

Kenny has been out and about, greeting students during sorority recruitment, Script A and the first day of classes.

Look for “Pawficer” Kenny around campus and be sure to say hello and give him a pet. Keep up with Kenny’s campus adventures by following @uakenny and @ua_safety on Instagram.