April 23, 2025
Contact: Nicholas Tietsort, nicholas.tietsort@missouri.edu
Photo by Abbie Lankitus
The University of Missouri Police Department (MUPD) is preparing to bid farewell to Officer Joan Haaf and her dedicated K-9 partner, Brass, who are retiring in June. The duo’s behind-the-scenes commitment to safety has left a lasting impact on the Mizzou campus.
“This team is an incredible asset for campus emergencies, VIP visits, special events and more,” MU Police Chief Brian Weimer said. “They are ambassadors of trust in our mission to provide exceptional public service to our community.”
Haaf’s journey to Mizzou was preceded by an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades and multiple states. Her passion for law enforcement took root in childhood, inspired by television shows such as Starskyand Hutch, Police Woman and Cagney & Lacey. In 1979, she graduated from the police academy and was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in Pinellas County, Florida. It was there that she discovered her true calling — working in the K-9 program. Three years later, in 1982 she made history as the first female K-9 handler at the Sheriff’s Office.
Haaf came to Mizzou in 2011. She still remembers her confidence when, during her interview, she was asked where she saw herself in five years.
“I said, ‘I will be your next K-9 handler,’” she recalled. “And I was.”
But it didn’t happen overnight, as the K-9 program is a coveted position within the MUPD. When the previous K-9 officer left, Haaf applied and, after a rigorous selection process, earned the position. Knowing how critical the canine selection process is, she dedicated herself to finding the perfect partner.
She found it in Brass, a now 11-year-old male German shepherd born and bred in Holland. Trained for the single purpose of explosives detection, Brass has been a cornerstone of MUPD’s safety efforts and has been instrumental in working behind the scenes with Haaf to secure buildings, fieldhouses, stadiums and arenas both on and off campus.
Over the years, the pair has worked closely with agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Missouri Capitol Police; and the Boone County fire and police departments. Under the watchful eye of his partner, Brass has earned a reputation for excellence — a testament to Haaf’s years of unwavering dedication and expert training.
Reflecting on the K-9 partners of the past, Haaf expressed a deep appreciation for the bond she has developed with Brass.
“I love working with the dogs,” she said. “They all have their strengths, but Brass is special.”
With years of experience training police dogs, Haaf has honed her skills as both a handler and an instructor. She recently achieved certification from the Missouri Canine Association, further solidifying her dedication to the field.
As she transitions into retirement, Haaf remains committed to K-9 training. She will continue as an instructor for the Missouri State Police Canine Association and the Boone County K-9 Training Center. Her next partner, Kimber — a high-energy black Labrador retriever specializing in explosives detection — is already prepared to assist in her next chapter. Kimber’s focus and drive to search mirror the same excellence Haaf has brought to every aspect of her career.
“Police Officer Haaf is an exceptional officer with a great deal of experience,” Chief Wiemer said. “She is devoted, not only to her team, but to the university community, and has been an exemplary officer and teammate. She will be missed a great deal.”
MUPD’s K-9 program will continue to thrive, thanks in part to a generous donation from long-time Mizzou supporter Billie Silvey, who also supported Brass’s career. A new K-9 has joined the department and is being trained under the guidance of master instructor Chris Smith and the Boone County K-9 Training Center.
As Mizzou honors Haaf and Brass, their legacy of service will continue to inspire for years to come, serving as a powerful testament to the lasting impact of true leadership and passion.
