Q&A With Detective Steve Lanoce - NYPD Bomb Squad


Posted on Feb 6, 2008
By Glenn Close

Comments(1)
Steve Lanoce with his bomb-sniffing lab Duke.
Steve Lanoce with his bomb-sniffing lab Duke.
Steve Lanoce and I were introduced on the set of Damages, on the day he was waiting to appear in a scene having something to do with a hand grenade in my office. He is a member of the NYPD Bomb Squad and is an Explosive Detection Canine Handler. Steve’s canine is Duke, a 2-year-old Black Lab. Duke came to Steve out of the Puppies Behind Bars program, which happens to be the dog charity that both of us support. One can argue that New York City is much stronger and more cohesive than it was before 9/11. That amazing recovery is largely due to the work and dedication of people like Steve Lanoce, who risked their lives for us then — Steve was awarded the Medal of Valor for September 11th — and continues to do the work that keeps us safe today. He and Duke have been on duty for presidents, heads of state, the UN, Yankee and Shea stadiums, the US Tennis Open and in the transit systems for this great city of ours. They are examples of the very best there is and we are proud to have them on LIVELY LICKS.
Duke takes his work very seriously
Duke takes his work very seriously
Glenn Close: When did you become a dog lover?
Steve Lanoce: As a small child of around 5 years old, I received a large basket during Easter. In this basket was a small black puppy. As of that moment I was hooked. We named him Butchy and this little pooch stole my heart.

GC: Why dogs?
SL: Dogs show humans the true meaning of unconditional love. We are the intellectual beings, but these simple creatures really have a lot to teach us about interacting and social skills, minus the butt sniffing of course.

GC: How have you balanced work with your dog?
SL: My present dog is also my partner in the Police Department. Duke is a 2-year-old black Labrador Retriever. He is an E.D.C. (Explosive Detection Canine). Balance with him is very easy, I go to work, and he goes to work. If only I could get him to drive, then I could take a little nap on the commute in.

Steve and Duke at the US Open
Steve and Duke at the US Open
GC: How did your present dog come into your life?
SL: I always dreamed of working with a K-9 partner. I prodded my Lieutenant for about two years until he finally gave me the opportunity. Duke came from Puppies Behind Bars a non-profit organization that gives model inmates the chance to give something back to the community. They raise puppies from around 8 weeks old and teach them basic obedience, socialization and other special skills. It's an astonishing program that I was able to personally witness.

GC: What kind of car would your dog drive?
SL: No car for Duke. He'd be cruising down the road on a motorcycle with a leather jacket and goggles just like his dad.

GC: What would be the title of your dog's autobiography?
SL: Very simple: “Bombs for Biscuits - My Life in the Fast Lane.”

Duke and Steve on the job
Duke and Steve on the job
GC: What does Duke think about going to work?
SL: As I said before, I go to work and Duke goes. The only problem is that he hates day shifts even more than I do. He'll be sprawled out on the bedroom floor and when I say that it's time for work at 6 a.m. he lifts his head, gives me a glance and puts it back down again.

GC: What is your dog's pet peeve about you?
SL: The fact that I only give him half of a small biscuit. I get this “is that all?” look.

GC: What is your pet peeve about your dog?
SL: Every once in a while he goes into that young child mode. "I can hear you but I'm not listening."

GC: What musical instrument would your dog play?
SL: A sweet melodic flute.

GC: What does your dog think about cats?
SL: You play nice, I play nice.

Help Puppies Behind Bars When You Start Shopping HERE!

Shop For CharityMaking your purchases on FetchDog count for Puppies Behind Bars is easy. Just start shopping from the list of products Steve has chosen as his favorites in the widget below. Or if you want to shop the entire FetchDog store, just start by by clicking herg>. We'll track all your purchases—whether from his recommendations or not—and will donate a percentage of those proceeds to Puppies Behind Bars. There is no added cost to you—Do your routine shopping and FetchDog donates a portion of the sale, on behalf of Steve, to Puppies Behind Bars.


Puppies Behind Bars trains inmates to raise puppies to become service dogs for the disabled, guide dogs for the blind and explosive detection canines for law enforcement.
Click here for more information.

GC: What does your dog think about politicians?
SL: I think this is where the butt sniffing comes back into play.

Duke is a regular dog outside of work
Duke is a regular dog outside of work
GC: What excites your dog the most?
SL: A full bowl of food and a romp in the backyard.

GC: What is your favorite thing to do with your dog?
SL: Training with Duke. He has an amazing nose. When I hide an explosive plant, it is truly amazing watching him work.

GC: If your dog were human, what would be his favorite movie?
SL: "Superman"...or in his case "Superdog."

GC: What is it about you that makes your dog most proud?
SL: Putting on the bomb suit and walking towards danger.

GC: What is it that makes you most proud about your dog?
SL: Aside from finding explosives when I need him to, I am so proud of his behavior. I can take him with me to a restaurant and he will lie down and relax at my feet. This is no small feat for any dog.

GC: Where is your dog's favorite spot at home?
SL: As long as I'm within sight of him he's happy.

Duke is also a beloved member of the family
Duke is also a beloved member of the family.
GC: Does your dog like to dress up?
SL: He enjoys wearing a Christmas collar complete with reindeer bells. I think he just eats up all the attention it gets him. What a ham!!

GC: Does your dog have a special talent?
SL: Bomb sniffing is a good enough talent for me.

GC: If your dog were a famous person, who would it be?
SL: Frodo from Lord of the Rings - sweet and cuddly.

GC: Is there a question you would like to ask your dog or vice versa?
SL: You're a Labrador Retriever, why don't you like the pool?

GC: What is your dog's idea of perfect happiness?
SL: A big bone, a sunny warm afternoon with family around, and did I mention a big bone?

GC: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
SL: A warm sunset on a Caribbean beach with a comfy chair and a large margarita. None for Duke, he's not old enough to drink yet.
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Comments
I really enjoyed this interview. It's nice to see how much the handlers love and care for their "partners". I think Duke is a very lucky dog and Steve is an even luckier Detective. They look good together and make a great pair. I wish them many, many years of happiness and safe travels. NYC is a crazy place.....I hope they take care of each other. Shelly
Posted By Michelle
on Apr 24, 2008
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Welcome to LIVELY LICKS: Profiles of Dogs and their People.
I hope that you will be entertained, comforted and inspired by the people and dogs that I have the privilege of featuring on this blog. Since starting it over a year and a half ago, it has pulled me into an incredible journey. Besides being able to celebrate some of my wonderful friends and the profound bond they have with their dogs, LIVELY LICKS has introduced me to the world of avalanche dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, service dogs for our wounded warriors and dogs in need of rescue and adoption. I have been inspired by the selfless dedication of the people who run grassroots shelters as well as urban care and control centers. I have been deeply moved by their stories in which dogs heal and empower their humans. Those of us who have dogs, know how much they enhance our quality of life with their unquestioning loyalty and unconditional love. There are an infinite number of stories to tell, so I hope you will stay with me as I continue to explore and discover and delight in the journey.

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