Officer Austin Schmidt - Nitro

My name is Austin Schmidt. I have been an officer with Unified Police Department since 2016. Prior to being a K9 handler I was in patrol and assigned as a field training officer (FTO). I became a K9 handler in 2019 and have been loving the last four years with my partner.

My better half is named Nitro. Nitro is a mix between a German Shepherd and a Belgian Malinois. Now, Nitro has several nicknames, all are good but the most fitting one is “the mascot” due to his loving and patient behavior when it isn’t “work” time. Nitro and I became a team in 2019 when he was 3 years old. Nitro is certified in both narcotic detection and criminal apprehension. He has numerous criminal apprehension and numerous narcotics busts, more than he can count on all his paws!

Nitro and I have been able to complete in the Utah K9 trials for several years. Due to how awesome he is, he has been able to take A LOT of trophies home. When Nitro isn’t working he’s typically chewing on his toys at home, lounging around, or pestering the other dogs to play.