By Tracie Sullivan, For Iron County Today
In a region known for its growing festivals, school events, and outdoor attractions, Iron County has introduced a new kind of security: its first law enforcement explosive-detection dog.
Dan-o, a 2 ½-year-old German shepherd, recently joined the Iron County Sheriff’s Office as Southern Utah’s first police K-9 trained specifically to detect explosives and firearms.
With a $7,500 price tag, largely funded by the nonprofit Friends of the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, Dan-o’s role is, in part, about being prepared for threats officials hope never come.
“This is about being proactive,” Sgt. Shawn Peterson said. “We want people to know that when they come to Iron County, they’re safe. Dan-o is just one part of that, but he’s an important part.”
While Iron County’s small-town charm is still intact, growth has brought new challenges. Major events like the Utah Summer Games and the Shakespeare Festival bring thousands of visitors annually, increasing the need for enhanced security measures.
“Iron County has always been a place where people feel safe,” Sheriff Ken Carpenter said. “But the world is changing. We’re seeing bigger incidents and higher levels of crime. It’s our job to make sure we’re ready. We don’t want to wait for something bad to happen before we act.”
Dan-o’s mission isn’t confined to Iron County. As the only law enforcement explosive-detection K-9 in Southern Utah, he is available to assist other agencies across Southern Utah.
“We’re offering this resource to anyone who needs it,” Carpenter said. “It’s a big deal for the region. With the events we have here — parades, marathons, festivals — it only makes sense to have tools like this to prevent something catastrophic.”
While officials admit bomb threats in the area are rare, they do occur. A recent incident at Cedar High School required a law enforcement response. Peterson sees Dan-o as a critical tool for handling such situations without relying on outside resources.
“We’ve used private bomb dogs before, but this gives us the ability to handle these situations ourselves,” Peterson said. “It’s a small price in the bigger scheme of things to ensure public safety.”
In addition to detecting explosives, Dan-o can also locate firearms and shell casings, enhancing his value during drug raids.
“There was a recent case where firearms were hidden behind walls,” Peterson said. “Having Dan-o in those situations is going to make a huge difference. He can find things that humans might never spot.”
Dan-o’s journey to the Iron County Sheriff’s Office began in Holland, where he participated in specialized trials to evaluate his suitability as a working dog.
These trials, common in Europe, assess key traits such as drive, focus, and determination — all crucial for police work. Dan-o stood out for his exceptional performance, making him an ideal candidate for explosive-detection training.
Once selected, Dan-o was brought to Utah, where he completed an intensive eight-week certification program through the Utah POST Canine Program with his handler, .
But the certification process is only the beginning. With the capacity to identify 1,200 different odors when he is fully trained, Dan-o can now detect 24. That number will only grow as his training continues.
“The certification is just the start,” O’Mealy said. “Dan-o and I train at least 12 hours a week to maintain and improve his skills. We’ve got a lot of work ahead, but I’m excited and it’s definitely worth it.”
In addition to working with Dan-o, O’Mealy also handles Tonka, a dual-certified patrol and narcotics K-9. While balancing two dogs is demanding, O’Mealy said he is passionate about the job and is excited about what they can do together.
“It’s a lot of work, but I love it,” he said. “This is what I’ve wanted to do my whole life. Dan-o is going to be a huge asset — not just for Iron County, but for anyone who needs our help.”
In the near future, Dan-o may also have some help on the job. With plans to add a second explosives-detection dog after the first of the year, Carpenter said Dan-o is only the first step in what he hopes will grow into a broader safety initiative for the community.
“The goal is to have a robust program that serves not just Iron County but the surrounding areas as well,” Carpenter said. “We’re building something that will make Southern Utah safer as a whole.”