Meet the daring dogs of local K-9 units

MADISON HEIGHTS — In the police world, the connection between a K-9 handler and their dog is something special.

“It’s a tremendous bond. The handler brings the dog home, and the dog becomes family,” said Madison Heights Police Lt. David Koehler.

Koehler, together with his dog Nikko, once served as the city’s K-9 unit.

“The best part of an officer’s career, I feel, is that opportunity to be a K-9 handler, having that partner there who will do anything for you,” he said.

Residents will have a chance to see this bond during a K-9 demonstration that will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at Rosie’s Park, 1111 E. Farnum Ave. in Madison Heights.

The free event will feature units from Madison Heights, Hazel Park and Royal Oak, with the handlers introducing their dogs and showcasing their abilities. Now in its second year, the show is organized by the Madison Heights Crime Commission.

For Madison Heights, the current K-9 unit consists of officer John Bradley and his dog, Harko, a male German shepherd. Together, they form the city’s fourth K-9 unit to date.

The first unit featured Corey Haines and his dog, Astor; Haines would go on to become a police chief for Madison Heights and later Eastpointe, where he currently serves. Koehler and Nikko were the second unit, while Jeffrey Lewis and Grim were the third.

“It’s amazing watching the dog think and work,” said Koehler. “Their nose is a tool that they use in so many ways. When you watch the dog work, you can see its mind going a mile a minute, smelling and finding things. It’s all a game to them, and the dog wants to have fun.

“When I had my dog and he retired, he still wanted to work,” he said. “But one of the best parts is the community service aspect. The kids just love the dogs. We put on these demos and the kids just light up, watching them and seeing what they can do. They’re in awe at their abilities.”

In Madison Heights, the K-9 unit is used to root out illegal drugs, track down suspects, and help rescue lost children or elderly adults. Some agencies train their dogs to sniff out bombs, or to find marijuana or nicotine products in schools.

Madison Heights City Councilman Sean Fleming, who serves as the council representative on the Crime Commission, said the K-9 demonstration is part of a larger effort to improve relations between police and the people they serve.

“We want to help people feel more comfortable and connected with the officers, including the K-9 unit,” Fleming said. “The unit has been at different events before, not only this and Trail Tunes but also the Trail of Treats and others. These police dogs are expertly trained and behave themselves around people. They’re not a threat to any of our citizens.”

He said that the Crime Commission has also been hard at work trying to raise awareness about the dangers that young people face online, from sexual predators to others trying to manipulate them into crimes.

“Later this school year, hopefully, we’ll hold an event on cyber safety. We tried one before at the Active Adult Center, but this time we’re looking to arrange it at the schools for greater attendance,” Fleming said. “We’re also trying to raise awareness for the different scams going on in the community, and we’re encouraging people to keep their cars safe from thieves by keeping their cars locked, parking in brightly lit areas, and keeping valuables out of vehicles.”

As for the K-9s: “Everyone loves them,” Fleming said with a laugh. “Along with fire trucks, police dogs are always a highlight for kids to experience.”