HANOVER TWP., LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. — With reporters in tow, bystanders filming and his rope toy never too far away, rookie K-9 officer Argon made his rounds at Lehigh Valley International Airport on Wednesday.
The man of the hour, a 2-year-old Black Labrador Retriever certified in explosives detection, is the newest K-9 officer with Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.
Wednesday marked first day on the job and on the hunt for potential threats — and photo ops.
Argon is the third department K-9 in airport history, following the retirement of K-9 Mikki in 2024 and K-9 Ben in 2011.
Officials said having Argon around helps keep passengers at ease and safe from potential danger, while also serving as an asset upon request for other area authorities.
“Having an explosive detection dog here at the airport at our disposal at any time really does help us. In the event that we would have a bomb threat or something of that nature, we can get on top of that right away and get everything back and running."Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Police Chief Steve Gensits
“Having an explosive detection dog here at the airport at our disposal at any time really does help us," LNAA Police Chief Steve Gensits said.
"In the event that we would have a bomb threat or something of that nature, we can get on top of that right away and get everything back and running,”
And Argon is “not a ‘bite’ dog, per se — he’s more friendly, he’s more approachable,” Gensits said.
“For our environment, it’s probably the best dog you could have.”
LNAA Executive Director Thomas Stoudt said that while dangerous threats at the airport have not seen any particular uptick, having a well-trained K-9 around will be a continued practice for LNAA police.
Welcome to pet, but ask first
The former K-9, Mikki, was a Belgian Malinois specializing in suspect apprehension.
Argon, the 55-pound young-buck with his rounder face and ears and plenty of neck wrinkles, may just be more approachable for most people, Stoudt said.
“In the case of Argon, very different look and feel to the dog; the dog has an extremely pleasant demeanor. We welcome you to interact with the dog as a passenger moving through.”Thomas Stoudt, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority executive director
“In the case of Argon, very different look and feel to the dog; the dog has an extremely pleasant demeanor,” Stoudt said.
“We welcome you to interact with the dog as a passenger moving through.”
And while Argon is friendly, Stoudt advised those interested in greeting the dog to first ask his handler in case the duo is on a job.
Stoudt said the newcomer from Georgia will complement LVIA’s Canines Offering Passengers Encouragement program featuring certified therapy dogs providing encouragement for potentially nervous passengers waiting at the airport.
A man and his dog
Argon’s handler, Officer William Bryfogle, said there’s been a strong bond built in their five months together.
That time has included an eight-week handler school and steady training ever since — including daily practice in everything from scent training to tracking to obedience for the duo, Bryfogle said.
Argon is the first K-9 partner for Bryfogle, an LNAA officer for eight years.
“He’s a pretty mellow dog here. At home, he’s just a normal dog. He takes his gear off, just like I do.”Argon’s handler, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Police Officer William Bryfogle
They’re by each other's side each day, even on off-days, he said.
“He’s a pretty mellow dog here,” Bryfogle said. “At home, he’s just a normal dog.
“He takes his gear off, just like I do.”
