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UPPD K9 Unit

Zzisa and Uman, both Labrador retrievers, are certified ordnance detection and evidence detection canines. As sworn members of the UPPD, Uman and Zzisa work diligently to ensure the safety and security of the University City community. The K9 units respond to calls about unattended packages and perform building sweeps before large-scale events and visits by dignitaries. They can also be found undertaking regular patrol of Penn’s campus and the surrounding area.

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Sgt. Mackey, wearing a black police uniform, poses with canine Zzisa, a yellow labrador retriever, in a field under a tree.

Officer Zzisa

In 2014 K9 Officer Zzisa joined the UPPD, paired with partner Sergeant Sean Mackey. Zzisa joined the UPPD from the PennVet Working Dog Center (WDC).

Zzisa is named in honor of 9/11 victim Salvatore J. Zisa.

Her birthday is September 11, 2010. She lives and works with her handler, Sgt. Mackey.

 

Police Officer Wesley, wearing a black police uniform, poses with canine Uman, a black labrador retriever, in a field under a tree.

Officer Uman

In November 2020, K9 Officer Uman joined the UPPD, paired with partner Officer Julie Wesley. Uman is Zzisa’s granddaughter, a pup bred by the WDC to dam Pinto and sire Boomer.

Uman lives and works with her handler, Officer Wesley.

PennVet Working Dog Center (WDC)

Inspired by the Search & Rescue Dogs that responded following the attacks on 9/11, the Penn Vet Working Dog Center opened on September 11, 2012 and serves as a national research and development center for detection dogs.

PennVet WDC Website

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Socks, a yellow labrador retriever, wearing a K9 vest, poses next to her handler, officer Jullie Wesley, who is kneeling with her hand on Sock's back

Socks, the first UPPD K9 Officer

(7-7-12 to 7-20-20)

In September of 2013, Officer Socks graduated from the first class at Penn Vet Working Dog Center, and joined the UPPD as our first canine officer. Socks was paired with her partner Officer Julie Wesley, and was certified in ordnance and evidence detection. She was named in honor of Socks Lavoie (handler Sue Lavoie), who was deployed to the Staten Island Landfill following the attacks of 9/11. Socks passed on July 20, 2020 at the age of 8, surrounded by the love of Officer Wesley and her other family members. We are grateful to K9 Officer Socks and her years of service to the Penn Community.