Detection Dog Spotlight: Katie Crews and K9 Duke

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At one of the busiest air logistics hubs in the Midwest, even the night shift moves fast. Aircraft move in and out, tugs pull cargo containers across vast ramps, and millions of packages flow through illuminated conveyor belts. In the middle of this nonstop motion, handler Katie Crews and her explosive detection partner, K9 Duke, work with a silent, steady purpose. Together, they support one of Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services’ most demanding aviation deployments, bringing precision, focus, and consistency to a complex operational environment. 

For Duke, a black lab and seasoned detection canine, everything begins the moment Katie puts on her uniform. “He knows it’s go time,” Katie says. “He locks in with me right away. Once we step on site, he’s all business.” 

A Path Built on Service 

Katie’s path to the detection canine field was shaped by years of service. Before joining Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services, she spent four years as a police officer and 10 years with the Kentucky National Guard. Service, movement, and meaningful work have always defined her career. 

“I’ve always been drawn to roles with a mission behind them,” she says. “I’m not someone who can sit behind a desk. I want to be active, engaged, and doing something that matters.” 

When she transitioned out of law enforcement, working with a detection canine offered the right mix of mission, mobility, and responsibility — and she embraced it wholeheartedly with the encouragement of her family. 

Fuschia and Duke: A Bond Shaped by Loyalty

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Katie’s story with Enhanced Protection Services began before Duke entered the picture. Her first explosives detection canine was Fuschia, a black lab whose loyalty and steady work ethic made a lasting impact. Katie and Fuschia worked together for more than a year before Fuschia was diagnosed with cancer — news that was incredibly difficult for Katie, given the bond they had built through long nights, training, and shared purpose. 

With guidance from the canine management team, Katie supported Fuschia through retirement and helped her transition into life at home by her side where she continues to enjoy her days. 

As Katie prepared to begin a new chapter in her handler journey, she returned to the Enhanced Protection Services training center, where she was paired with her next partner, Duke. From the start, the two shared an easy rhythm — Duke’s drive matched Katie’s pace, and his confidence in the field made him a natural fit for the demands of aviation screening. 

Their bond strengthened quickly. “He’s got such a good heart,” Katie says. “He wants to work, he wants to be with me, and he gives everything he has every single night. Once we connected, that was it — we were in this together.” 

Precision in a High-Tempo Aviation Environment 

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Working in a large, dynamic air cargo operation brings a slew of challenges. The environment is massive, loud, and always in motion. Between aircraft movements, ground support equipment, belts powering up and down, and Unit Load Devices (ULDs) filled with thousands of packages, detection teams must remain focused and adaptable. 

“We screen a huge amount of cargo,” Katie explains. “Between the planes, the tugs, and the volume, it’s a fast-paced environment. Good communication is everything. Everyone works together because the mission depends on it.” 

Every night, Katie and Duke screen ULDs that contain international shipments, supporting aviation safety and cargo integrity. Duke’s steady focus makes him a natural fit for the environment. “He thrives in structure,” she says. “He tunes out distractions and stays locked in. That’s what makes him such a strong working partner.” 

Training, Readiness, and the Power of Instinct 

Training is at the core of every detection canine’s success. Enhanced Protection Services emphasizes practice, consistency, and preparedness. In addition to monthly and quarterly testing, Katie and Duke complete daily training exercises. 

Like all EPS handlers, Katie discreetly hides a training aid in the environment and instructs Duke to “seek” until he locates the source of the odor. This not only keeps Duke’s nose in tune, but it gives Katie a meaningful opportunity to read subtle changes in his behavior, strengthening their working bond. 

“Daily training keeps the dogs sharp, and it keeps us sharp as handlers too,” Katie says. “You’re only as good as your tool, and when your dog is squared away, you will be too.” 

A Moment That Made an Impact

One of Katie’s proudest moments came during a high-visibility evaluation where Duke was asked to perform in an unfamiliar environment under close observation. Despite the pressure, he worked the area with total confidence and precision. 

"He worked that site like he’d been there for years,” Katie says. “Seeing him shine like that made me incredibly proud. He represented all of us.” 

Off-Duty Moments 

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Off the clock, Duke’s demeanor shifts completely. The focused, all-business detection canine becomes relaxed, affectionate, and full of personality. 

Like all Enhanced Protection Services’ working canines, Duke lives at home with his handler, along with retired K9 Fuschia and Izzy, Katie’s pet Schnauzer. “Duke fits right in,” Katie says. 

“He’s the sweetest pup. When we’re home, he flips the switch and he’s just part of the family. He loves being with our other dogs and relaxing after a long night.” 

Serving with Purpose 

For Katie, detection work is more than just a job — it’s a continuation of the commitment to service that has defined her path. Every night, she and Duke help support the safety of aircraft and people far beyond the perimeter of the cargo hub. 

“I came here to serve the community, and in this role I’m still doing that — just in a different way,” she says. “If we can prevent something from getting onto a plane, we’re protecting a lot of people. That gives me a real sense of purpose.” 

Through every shift, Katie and Duke bring discipline, partnership, and precision to a mission that depends on all three.