Retired DuPage explosive-detection dog named Utah dies

Utah hasn't sniffed around the DuPage County courthouse for nearly four years, but his death this week still left many who work there feeling sad.

The 13-year-old black Labrador retriever, who patrolled the courthouse from 2005 through 2012 as the county's second explosive-sniffing dog, died Wednesday. He lived with Deputy Ken Diebert, his handler and fellow member of the sheriff's explosives squad.

"Utah was a fantastic explosive-detection canine as well as the best partner anyone could ask for," said Diebert, who now patrols the courthouse with Jewel, an 8-year-old German Shepherd who replaced Utah in 2012. "Utah crossed the rainbow bridge Wednesday. He will be sorely missed, but his presence will be felt in the hallways of the courthouse forever."

Utah, who wore badge 470, was donated to the sheriff's office by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and underwent 10 weeks of vigorous training where he was certified in detecting more than 19,000 different explosives.

"Utah was one of the rarest canines the sheriff's office has ever had," Sheriff John Zaruba said in a written statement. "Utah was, at one time, the only explosive-detection K-9 in DuPage County."

Although Utah was trained by ATF, his primary duties and responsibilities were with the DuPage County sheriff's office. Deputy Diebert and Utah were assigned to the courthouse as their primary beat where they routinely searched packages and vehicles and conducted sweeps at the county complex.

Because of his extensive training, Utah also was used by the sheriff's hazardous devices unit. He searched many facilities, both public and private, for explosive devices, guns, bullets or other potential threats.

Utah also checked out the speaking engagement locations and hotel accommodations for President George W. Bush, then Sen. Hillary Clinton and then Vice President Dick Cheney when they were in DuPage.