After eight years of dedicated service to the Lehigh University community, K-9 LUcy hung up her LUPD vest at the end of February and stepped into a well-earned retirement.
As Lehigh’s first K-9 explosives sniffing and tracking dog, LUcy has been an integral part of campus safety, working tirelessly to ensure events, dignitary visits, and everyday life at Lehigh could proceed without disruption.
“LUcy brought a lot to the team,” said Lehigh Associate Vice President and Chief of Police Jason Schiffer. “Her ability to quickly assess potential threats meant we didn’t have to shut down portions of campus while waiting for outside agencies. That’s a huge benefit for the university.”
A Belgian Malinois with a sharp nose for explosives and a strong instinct for tracking, LUcy was more than just a tool for campus safety. She was a symbol of security and dedication, and a vital community-building tool for LUPD’s coordinated efforts with local law enforcement. Even her name held significance - it’s both a reference to Lehigh University (LU) and to founder Asa Packer’s daughter, Lucy Linderman.
From scanning commencement and other event venues to assisting in emergency situations, LUcy played a crucial role in keeping the Lehigh community safe. Her skills also extended beyond campus, assisting local, state, and even federal agencies, including the Secret Service and FBI.
“Everything we did together was a highlight,” said LUcy’s handler, Officer Greg Nolf (pictured at right with LUcy). “Whether it was responding to a bomb scare, working Musikfest, or tracking a missing person, I enjoyed it so much.”
LUcy’s journey at Lehigh began in 2016, thanks to a donation that allowed the university to establish its K-9 program. She was selected for the role and arrived from the Netherlands, forming a strong bond with Officer Nolf. Over the years, the duo worked seamlessly together, navigating high-profile security details and emergency response situations.
But as all hardworking professionals eventually do, LUcy reached a point where retirement became the right choice. Due to medical concerns, her service ended slightly ahead of schedule, but she now gets to enjoy life as a full-time family dog with Nolf. “She’ll still need to stay busy—she was bred to work—but now she can just have fun with it,” he said. “No more stress of certifications. Just a good life.”
Welcoming Clare
Of course, LUcy’s departure leaves big paw prints to fill. The department will welcome Lehigh’s newest K-9 officer, Clare, to campus in time for the fall semester. Unlike LUcy, Clare is a Labrador Retriever, chosen in part for her friendly and social nature. The decision to transition to a lab reflects the department’s desire for a working dog with a personality more akin to the university’s therapy dogs, Grace and Scout, while still maintaining top-tier detection capabilities.
Clare’s name is also a nod to Lehigh history—she is named in honor of Clarence, a beloved university mascot from the early 1900s known for predicting the score of key football games. Clarence’s final resting site can be found outside of Taylor residence hall.
“When Greg suggested it, I fell in love with the name immediately,” said Schiffer. “It’s a beautiful tribute.”
Though LUcy’s retirement marks the end of an era, her legacy of service will continue through Clare. A generous anonymous donor is providing financial support for Clare's training and other expenses. And as Clare joins the LUPD family, LUcy will get to enjoy the simple pleasures of retirement—more belly rubs, leisurely walks, and perhaps a few well-earned treats from the couch.