Detection Dog Spotlight: Steven Hunter & Armin

Based in Arizona, Steven is more than a team leader. He and his partner, a three-year-old German Shepherd named Armin, form a seasoned explosives and firearms detection team. Their assignments take them from densely packed stadiums and live entertainment venues to sprawling cargo hubs for international freight carriers—each with a distinct landscape and rhythm.
German Shepherds like Armin are known for their intelligence, drive, and discipline—traits essential for environments that demand fast pivots and flawless focus. At a freight facility, the search is methodical and structured, screening pallets, crates, and Unit Load Devices (ULDs) with precision. A sports stadium must be screened through an entirely different lens, requiring Armin to track odor amid large and fast-moving crowds.
 

“Armin easily adapts to the change in deployment, adjusting his detection approach automatically to match the mission,” explains Steven. “When we arrive on site, he dials in and knows it is time to get to work.  He’s got amazing stamina and an incredible nose for odor.” That kind of focus does not happen by chance. Steven and Armin train together daily, reinforcing technique and building trust through real-world scenarios that mirror what they encounter in the field. For a play reward dog like Armin, every search is a game with purpose—fueling his enthusiasm for both training and real-world work.

As a supervisor, Steven manages all his teams’ scheduling and also plays a vital role in shaping the strength of the broader team. He provides hands-on coaching and evaluation to the teams across his region, ensuring consistency, readiness, and accountability. “I try to be a strong field coach,” he says. “I know what is being asked of these teams because I am right there with them. I want to lead in a way that earns respect, supports development, and gets the mission done. It’s all about keeping people safe.”

Service Runs Deep
 

Steven’s foundation in service and security began with the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a law enforcement specialist at Osan Air Base in South Korea. Tasked with safeguarding personnel and critical assets, Steven honed his skills in vigilance, discipline, and situational awareness—traits that continue to support his career.
After leaving the military, Steven joined the Will County Sheriff’s Office in Illinois where he started work as a handler with a patrol and narcotics dog. Over 28 years, he rose through the ranks to become both the Canine Unit Supervisor and the SWAT Team Commander. “My military service and law enforcement career taught me the importance of responsibility, preparedness, and staying alert,” Steven says. “Those values stay with you, and they shape how you lead and how you train.”
 

He joined Allied Universal in 2016, bringing decades of experience, a calm command presence, and a deep understanding of canine operations. His first partner, Venus, was by his side until her retirement and passing in early 2024. “She was special,” Steven says. “Losing her was tough. Armin came along at the right time. He is different, but just as committed.”

Strong Bonds, On and Off Duty
 

At home, Armin shares space with the family’s 15-year-old Rat Terrier, Cosmo, proving that a big job and a big heart can go hand in hand. “He is very driven at work, but at home, he knows how to relax and enjoy the family,” Steven says. When the workweek ends, Steven and Armin often head north to explore Arizona’s mountainous trails or make post visits across the region, checking in on other teams and helping strengthen local operations. “We are always moving, always working toward something,” he says. “And I would not have it any other way.”

Learn more about Allied Universal Canine services here.