CUPD welcomes newest officer and K-9 partners
Officer Rickey Thomas being sworn in
K-9s Harlo (left) and Dax (right) being sworn in
The CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD) celebrated the swearing-in of three new members this week during a ceremony at the Boulder County Courthouse: Officer Rickey Thomas and K-9s Dax and Harlo. The additions reflect CUPD’s continued commitment to campus safety, preparedness and community engagement.
Thomas joins CUPD from Fort Lewis College Police Department in Durango, where he served as a corporal, field training officer and academy instructor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in criminal justice.
Thomas moved to Boulder with his husband and daughter seeking new opportunities and a welcoming community. With his husband being a CU Boulder alumnus, the family already felt a strong connection to the campus.
“Everyone I spoke to over the years talked about CUPD’s positive reputation for professionalism and investment in their officers,” Thomas said. “I’m excited to be a part of CUPD and the Boulder community, and I’m looking forward to serving this campus.”
Thomas said continuing his career in a campus environment was important to him.
“I enjoy working in a campus environment because it allows me to have an impact on people from all over the country and walks of life,” he said. He added that CU Boulder’s reputation for excellence played a major role in his decision to join the department.
“I was drawn to CU because of their reputation for being the best. I want to be the best version of myself, and to do that I want to be surrounded by the same.”
Thomas said he hopes his presence on campus helps build approachability and trust.
“My hope is that people know me as a person first, and if the time ever comes when they need the police, they know I am a safe and reliable person to call.”
While Dax, a black Labrador retriever, and Harlo, a golden Labrador retriever, have already been introduced to campus, the ceremony marked their formal swearing-in as explosive detection K-9s. The dogs will support major events and public outreach.
CUPD is proud to welcome its newest members and looks forward to the important role they will play in supporting safety and connection across the CU Boulder community.