Meet K-9 Unit Teammates Nova and Her Handler

This post is part of the series, “A Different Breed of Officer,” featuring the St. Louis Fed’s K-9 program and the dogs and handlers who dedicate their lives to keeping employees and visitors safe.

The handler of K-9 Nova has served as a juvenile court deputy and as a field training officer at the St. Louis Fed’s Memphis Branch, where he started in 2021. He’s never had a role quite like his current assignment: explosives detection dog handler.

The job meant Nova, a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois from Bogota, Colombia, became his furry partner at work and new home companion. They’ve been working and living together about six months.

A K-9 Officer’s Favorite Part of Her Job

“Everything is her favorite part about our job,” Nova's handler says, describing his K-9 partner’s work attitude.

Nova and her handler kicked off their partnership in Kansas City with about six weeks of intensive training. Together, they now screen vehicles, freight and unattended items at the Memphis Branch and make perimeter patrols. Nova uses her powerful sense of smell to seek explosives. Her handler keeps her trained and on task, which isn’t difficult.

“Nova loves being at the Bank,” the handler says. “This is not work to her. It’s where she comes to have a good time.”

Training Every Week

Nova trains at least once a week, with “hides” placed in different areas throughout the Bank, Nova’s handler said.

“Once she comes to locate the hide, she does what we call ‘final response’ which is a change in behavior, change in posture, change in breathing,” he said. “And she sits when she locates the hide, and we reward her by a ball. And she goes haywire and is enthused by the ball.

“The ball is life.”

Nova's Law Enforcement handler and K-9 Officer Nova started working together in 2023. Nova’s handler says she loves being at work at the Eighth Federal Reserve District’s Memphis Branch.

More than a Workday Job

Being a K-9 handler is a 24/7 job, Nova’s handler said. “They come home with you, they go to work with you. And it’s a task, but it’s one that I enjoy.”

Nova and her handler agreed to meet with me to discuss the partnership. Nova’s handler did all the talking.

This is a new role for you. What’s been the biggest adjustment?

Nova wakes me up at 4:30 each morning, even on the weekends. That’s the time we get up during the work week. She’s on a schedule. Fortunately, I’m a morning person, so I don’t mind.

What made you want to work in the Bank’s K-9 unit?

Besides being able to bring man’s best friend to work each day, the sense of purpose appealed most to me about becoming a K-9 handler. The work we do provides a deep sense of fulfilment, knowing at the end of each day that we helped provide a safer environment for the Bank.

Why did you choose Nova as her name?

Nova is Latin in origin. It’s derived from “novus,” which means new. To me, Nova symbolizes a new beginning, a new opportunity and a new day to make a difference.

K-9 Officer Nova has “unwavering devotion and dedication,” says her handler.

Was it hard setting boundaries at home between Nova and your rescued American pit bull?

It wasn’t. She runs circles around [him]. He’s like 49 in dog years. He’s a lot slower than her. But they’ve been welcoming of each other. It’s been a nice balance. They have supervised playtime. I want her to be socialized because dogs can become territorial. And she might come across another dog at work.

Describe Nova’s personality.

One word comes to mind with Nova: devotion. Her unwavering devotion and dedication to be by my side every day is something I’ve never experienced. She’s also a bit mischievous and loves attention. She can be stubborn, but she’s hardworking. She just wants to please.