Sammy, Nitro Join Central, South Security Apparatus

HINSDALE, IL – For the next school year, Hinsdale High School District 86 is deploying dogs as a security measure at both campuses. Their names are Sammy and Nitro.

In a public statement Tuesday, Superintendent Michael Lach said the dogs are certified and specially trained.

"The dogs are trained to detect the scent of firearms and explosives, and will discreetly alert their certified handlers if a suspicious odor is identified," Lach said.

They are bred and trained to operate safely in school settings, and their handlers receive extensive training to work effectively with them.

"They are not attack dogs and are trained not to bark or interact with individuals beyond their handler while on duty," Lach said. "When off-duty or resting, the dogs may interact with small groups in a limited capacity as approved by their handler."

Assigned to Central, Sammy is a yellow labrador retriever, handled by Justin Simmons. South will be welcoming Nitro and handler Kyle Vanden Plas. Nitro is a German short-haired pointer.

The district details its security procedures on its website. Anyone with questions about safety is asked to email the district's security director, Geoff Cooker.

After a South student was found with a loaded gun in late November, the school deployed its weapons detection system every day. Parents at a public meeting encouraged this.

In January, the district went to a random system at both campuses.