NGU News


NGU Campus Security Retires K9 Officer Stoki

Posted on: February 18, 2021
By LaVerne Howell, laverne.howell@ngu.edu

Canine Stoki and handler William FarinaTigerville, SC (April 18, 2019) It had been eighteen months since K9 Officer Stoki came in for work when his handler, Officer William Farina, was hired by North Greenville University’s Office of Campus Security. But on Wednesday, April 17, Farina brought him onto the campus for his last day and a goodbye ceremony as he retires from the force due to a medical condition.

“Stoki has a neck injury that is not debilitating, but if he had to continue doing bite work during training, that could lead to a much more serious condition,” said Farina.

Stoki was born in July 2010 in Germany. Bred specifically for police work, Stoki was imported to the USA at age two. The City of Travelers Rest purchased and paired him with Officer William Farina.

Stoki and Farina spent 600 hours at the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office K9 training course. Upon completing the training course, Stoki and Farina obtained national certification through the North American Police Work Canine Stoki and Officer FarinaDog Association (NAPWDA).

“Officer Stoki and his partner Officer Farina have been a great addition to our community and Stoki has been a student favorite. We are grateful for our safety staff who serve our campus and in this case, who bring smiles wherever they go,” said NGU President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. said. “We wish Stoki a restful retirement and we look forward to welcoming our new canine officer, Barrett, when the fall semester arrives.”

After the ceremony, students and other Greenville County K9s lined the walkway for Stoki to take his final walk across campus. Also in attendance was NGU’s new canine officer, Barrett.

Stoki will now spend his days at home with his friend Snuggles, Farina’s cat.

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