DENTON, Texas — Whether Mean Joe Green, Meatloaf or WFAA’s own Cynthia Izaguirre, many great icons have come through the University of North Texas.
But, quite possibly, the greatest of them all, the G.O.A.T. is a dog.
“He is definitely the most popular officer on campus,” said UNT police officer, Lieutenant Nicholas Brauchle.
Brauchle has been with the UNT Police Department for about a decade and for much of that time Keegan, a 7-year-old yellow lab, has been his partner.
Keegan has protected the campus and the city by sniffing out explosives and Brauchle says he takes his job seriously.
“A few years back there was a bomb threat at a local restaurant,” Brauchle said. “He completely bypassed all of the food. There was bacon, there were steaks and he just focused his task on searching.”
Brauchle says he’s never had a better partner, which is what makes this summer so hard.
Keegan is retiring after six years on the force.
After serving the campus so admirably, Brauchle and Keegan are going on a farewell tour, crisscrossing campus to allow students and staff a chance to say goodbye. Which for some, is not easy.
“It’s going to be a sad day for me because I don’t get to bring my best friend to work anymore,” Brauchle said.
Brauchle says he’ll forever be indebted to Keegan and his undying loyalty.
Upon retirement, Brauchle will adopt Keegan and promises to do all he can to express his deepest gratitude.
“I just do everything I can to spoil him,” Brauchle said. “That’s my way of saying thank you.”