Trailblazing Tulsa Police K-9 Officers reunite with unit

Two retired Tulsa Police officers who made history in the department’s K-9 Unit returned for a special visit. Here are five key things to know about their careers and impact.

They served more than three decades at TPD

Retired Officer Sharon Gwin and Retired Corporal Susan Kruse each dedicated close to 30 years or more to the Tulsa Police Department before retiring. Their experience and leadership helped shape the department over the years.

Gwin spent 18 years with the K-9 Unit

Out of her 33-year career, Sharon Gwin spent 18 years in the K-9 Unit. She is pictured during her visit with her K-9 partner, Dakota, who served alongside her for about seven years.

Image Provided By: Tulsa Police Department

Kruse was Tulsa’s first female K-9 handler

Retired Corporal Susan Kruse broke barriers at the department by becoming the first female K-9 handler in TPD history.

She spent 30 years at the department and more than six of those years working in the specialized unit with her dog, Bingo.

Image Provided By: Tulsa Police Department

Their impact extended beyond patrol

Both officers not only served in the field but also helped pave the way for more women to enter the department’s specialized units, especially the K-9 division, which has historically been male-dominated.

Both Gwin and Kruse encourage young Officers and interested applicants to take advantage of the many different opportunities within the Tulsa Police.

One has a close tie to News On 6

Susan Kruse is married to News On 6 Photojournalist Gary Kruse, adding a special connection between the station and the Tulsa Police Department.