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Nicknamed the Valley of the Sun, Phoenix is known for its year-round warm temperatures—but one local duo is truly turning up the heat. Meet Allied Universal® Enhanced Protection Services Explosive Detection Canine Team Josh Swanson and his three-year-old Belgian Malinois, Attina. Since teaming up in 2023, Josh and Attina have maintained an active deployment schedule across the West Coast and beyond. Known for her sharp detection skills and boundless enthusiasm, Attina is a standout performer on Allied Universal’s roster of more than 1,000 canine detection teams. “Attina loves to work with an incredible level of energy,” says Josh. “She’s also a great travel companion, always ready for our next adventure—even if it takes us across the country.”
From explosive detection at commercial, retail, music and sporting events to screening air cargo for international carriers, this team takes on critical assignments every day. Attina has earned a reputation as a proven dynamo in the security field with a superior nose for odor after completing comprehensive training at one of Allied Universal’s regional training centers where she was imprinted and trained on all five families of commercial explosives, as well as homemade explosives. All Allied Universal Enhanced Protection Services’ canines are consistently validated to nationally recognized North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) standards to ensure optimal and ongoing performance in the field.
Josh’s love for canine handling began during his six-and-a-half years of service in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a hander for Military Working Dogs (MWDs). These teams play a vital role in helping detect explosives and narcotics, tracking personnel and suspects, patrolling restricted areas and protecting military installations. With deployments that included the Middle East and South Korea, Josh credits his time in the military for invaluable experience managing high-stakes situations. “The workload in the military was heavy, but it prepared me for the demands of this field,” Josh explains. “It strengthened my work ethic and ignited my passion for working with dogs. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my country and for exposure to this career path.”
After completing his military service, Josh returned to school to finish a business degree but continued to feel the draw of canine handling. “I honestly cannot imagine doing anything else. This is a dream career and I just love it. I have an incredible partner and there is an enormous sense of pride in the work that we do helping to protect others from today’s highest threats.”
The balance between intense deployments and quiet time at home is essential for this hardworking team. When not on the job, Josh and Attina enjoy chilling at home with Josh’s Labrador, Thor. “Our work can take us all over the country and it is fast paced. But at the end of the day, we are a team that bonds both on and off the clock. That is another reason why this job is so fulfilling. I am very fortunate.”
