Sgt. Mike Harlow and K-9 Cedric on-duty at the Ohio State University stadium before kick-off against Michigan in November 2024. (Photo provided by Mike Harlow)

MARIETTA — Sgt. Mike Harlow and his K-9 Cedric, members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, were on-duty at the Ohio State vs. Ohio University game last Saturday.

Harlow and Cedric were in attendance to ensure the safety of the area and support southeastern Ohio and the OU Bobcats, who ended up losing 9-37 against OSU.

“This was our first time at an OSU vs. OU game but our fourth attendance at a football game overall,” said Harlow. “We were requested by the Columbus Division of Fire to clear the interior and exterior of the stadium before the start of the game.”

Every explosive detection trained K-9 and its handler who were requested for duty were assigned to a post to check anything from golf carts to purses and bags at the game.

Cedric is 2 years old and the only yellow lab in the WCSO K-9 unit for explosive detection. He handles important duties like bomb detection but he also practices public relations and being present in the community. Harlow said he is very friendly and he often brings him to events like the Washington County Fair for people to greet him.

K-9 Cedric poses in front of the Ohio University athletic buses at the Ohio State University football game last Saturday. Cedric and Sgt. Mike Harlow were on duty to secure the stadium premises. (Photo provided by Mike Harlow)

“We’ve been called in to secure OSU games, Blue Jackets games, the Arnold Classic and this is our second year at the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” he said. “We’re planning to attend more in the upcoming years.”

Cedric graduated from the Columbus Division of Fire for explosive detection training last summer.

“There are three total explosive detection canines that cover southeast Ohio and we’re the only one in Washington County,” said Harlow. “The other two are in Athens.”

Cedric was trained as a food reward canine which means when he trains, he eats, so he trains every day.

Prior to partnering with Cedric, Harlow had worked with K-9 Brody from 2017 until Brody retired in July 2024 due to his age. Brody served about 10 years total between the Ohio University Police Department and WCSO.

K-9 Cedric is 2 years old and graduated from the Columbus Division of Fire Explosive Detection Canine School last summer. The photo was taken in August 2024 shortly after his graduation. Cedric has been working at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit with his handler, Sgt. Mike Harlow since June 2024. (Photo provided by Mike Harlow)

“We typically retire the dog based on a variety of factors like age, health, and their desire to work,” he said.

Harlow’s career has spanned a total of 14 years when he was employed at the OUPD as a K-9 handler prior to working at WCSO. He was hired at WCSO four years ago and was promoted to sergeant last week.

“It’s pretty neat that we are called in to events across the state and provide services,” said Harlow. “It really gives the community a sense of peace and security, especially knowing Cedric is reliable and dependable.”

When they’re not requested to be on-duty for larger events or venues, Harlow and Cedric serve as resource officers in the Wolf Creek Local Schools. This is part of Sheriff Mark Warden’s campaign promise to the community.

Harlow said they’re hoping to have Cedric on the unit for the next 10 years. Cedric is friendly, energetic, and a hard-worker in the community, in other words, a very good boy.

K-9 Cedric poses in front of the busts of famous athletes at the Pro Football Hall of Fame last month. (Photo provided by Mike Harlow)

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.

K-9 Cedric attends a variety of venues, such as the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as part of his duties on the Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Cedric and his handler, Sgt. Mike Harlow, visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame last month. (Photo provided by Mike Harlow)

Sgt. Mike Harlow and K-9 Cedric posing in front of the Blue Jackets logo at the National Hockey League Stadium Series game at the Ohio State University stadium in March. (Photo provided by Mike Harlow)

Sgt. Mike Harlow trained K-9 Cedric on explosive detection in August 2024. The duo began working together at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in June 2024. (Photo provided by Mike Harlow)