UTC is upgrading its campus emergency communications after a recent active-shooter hoax. WTVC The new alert system will “take over” campus screens, websites, social media, and broadcasting platforms—beyond just texts and emails—to deliver quicker and broader notifications. WTVC The hoax, attributed to a group called “Purgatory,” triggered the changes as UTC seeks stronger, multi-channel threat…
Gunny the dog breaks ice, wins hearts on UTC campus
At UTC, Campus Police Chief Sean O’Brien — a retired police lieutenant — walked across campus one morning in uniform with a police dog named Gunny to see if it would help spark conversations with students. About 90 % of students ignored the effort, many absorbed in their phones. Although the experiment didn’t produce mass…
Big dog on campus: Chief canine officer Gunny paws-itively impacts campus life at UTC
UTC has welcomed its first Chief Canine Officer, a 6-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer named Gunther (aka Gunny). Formerly a vapor wake dog, he now joins UTC Police Chief Sean O’Brien on campus several times per week to engage students and support campus life. His presence has already sparked more interaction and connection between students and…
Retired K-9 Gunny designated as first UTC chief canine officer
Gunny, a retired German shorthaired-pointer K-9, has been named UTC’s first Chief Canine Officer in an honorary role. Formerly trained in Vapor Wake detection, he’s credited with over 150 firearms recoveries during his law enforcement career. After retiring in late 2023 due to health concerns, Gunny now accompanies UTC Police Chief Sean O’Brien on campus,…