UWPD detective, K-9 retires together after 11 years of service

K-9 Rex specializes in explosive detection, human tracking

MADISON, Wis. — A valued pair that have been together at the University of Wisconsin Police Department for more than 11 years retired Friday.

Detective Shane Driscoll and his partner K-9 Rex retired as the longest serving K-9 team in UWPD history, officials said.

Driscoll said it has been the best job in the world.

“Being a K-9 handler is the best. You get to bring your dog to work every day,” Driscoll said in a release. “I’m going to miss it, but I’m going to miss the people here the most.”

Driscoll has had nearly every job an officer can have at UWPD, according to the release. He started his career with the department in February 1999 as a second-shift patrol officer and moved through the ranks from community officer to intelligence officer. He became a detective in 2008.

Rex came to UWPD in 2003 when Driscoll was a community officer, police said. Rex specializes in explosive detection and human tracking, and has been called up by many local and state agencies for assistance.

The pair has protected countless national and international dignitaries who have visited campus over the last decade, including sitting and former presidents, vice presidents, first ladies, presidential candidates, Bill Gates and Billy Joel, according to the release.

“The highlight of my protection duties, however, has to be the Dalai Lama,” Driscoll said. “I’ve met him twice, and it was always a highlight because he always wanted to meet the police officers involved with his visit and thank them.”

Driscoll said he will ease into retirement, but admits it will be strange waking up Monday morning and realizing he’s not a police officer anymore.