There’s a new member of the ETSU Police Department helping keep the Buccaneer community safe: Captain Millie, an explosives detection dog.

Millie is a red Labrador Retriever who joined ETSU after months of preparation and training. She has been training since she was 8 weeks old and celebrated her first birthday on June 25.

Millie was trained in Germany before traveling to the United States. She then continued her training in Tallahassee, Florida, and worked with her handler, Sgt. Chad Proffitt, as she prepared for her role at ETSU.

What does Captain Millie do at ETSU?

Her primary role is prevention and protection. She is trained to detect explosives and assist the ETSU Police Department in situations involving suspicious packages, special events and other circumstances where an additional level of preventative protection is needed. Millie trains every day to maintain her skills and stay sharp.

How should you interact with Captain Millie?

Millie is friendly, but she is also a working dog. Members of the ETSU community are welcome to interact with her when appropriate, but it is important to remember that her work comes first. Always ask her handler if she is ready for visitors.

If you see Millie on campus:

  • Ask before petting her. Her handler will let you know if it is an appropriate time.
  • Do not approach if she appears to be working.    
  • Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could distract her.
  • Do not give her treats. Food and treats are part of her ongoing training.
  • Remember that she may not always be available to interact.

How does Captain Millie help keep ETSU safe?

Millie gives the ETSU Police Department another resource to help protect the Buccaneer community. Her presence provides an additional layer of preventative protection.

As part of the ETSU Police Department, Captain Millie is classified as a police officer and plays a specialized role in the department's broader mission to keep campus safe.

ETSU Police is here to serve the ETSU community and support a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. From responding to emergencies to supporting campus events and providing safety resources, Campus Police work hard every day to protect our campus.

Captain Millie is one more way ETSU is investing in that mission.