Dusty the police dog makes his debut

STERLING HEIGHTS — A freshly sworn-in police dog recently had his day to shine before the public in Sterling Heights.

During a Jan. 3 Sterling Heights City Council meeting, the Sterling Heights Police Department held a presentation introducing the community to its newest K-9 recruit, Dusty.

On Dec. 8, 2022, the Police Department swore Dusty in on camera by putting his paw on a K-9 training encyclopedia while the police chief recited the oath of office for dogs, who vow to take care of the city’s residents and to “not bite anybody unless they’re a bad guy.”

Dusty intentionally shares a name with Michigan native and U.S. Navy Seal Senior Chief Petty Officer John “Dusty” Marcum.

According to Sterling Heights officials, Marcum served in the armed forces for 11 years before dying at age 34 in 2008 while in Afghanistan. Among his honors, he earned two Silver Star medals, four Bronze Star medals with valor and a Purple Heart. Marcum also had a section of Interstate 75 in Genesee County named after him, the John Wayne “Dusty” Marcum Memorial Highway.

“I cannot think of a more fitting name for our newest K-9 unit that will serve, protect and watch over the families here in Sterling Heights,” Sterling Heights Police Chief Dale Dwojakowski said at the Jan. 3 meeting.

“If you’ve ever watched a police K-9 in action, they are truly the happiest when they are working and serving. And from everything I’ve read, the same could be said about John’s life.”

Marcum’s sister, Kaylee Marcum, attended the presentation and thanked the city for honoring her brother.

Sterling Heights police Officer James Sribniak, Dusty’s handler, also spoke at the meeting and said he “couldn’t ask for a better partner.”

With Dusty joining the team, the Police Department currently has five K-9 pairs. However, one dog, Ivy, and her handler, Officer Darren Steele, plan to retire within the next few months, Dwojakowski said.

The other K-9 dogs are Ernie, handled by Officer Jeremy Walleman; Groot, handled by Officer Ryan Braathen; and Rich, handled by Officer Brian Krueger. Walleman will take over for Steele in handling the K-9 training program, according to Dwojakowski.

When City Council members reacted to the presentation, Councilwoman Deanna Koski called all the dogs “champions” and welcomed Dusty. Koski also lightheartedly remarked on Ivy’s upcoming retirement.

“Chief, you know this is a very diverse community,” she said. “Ivy was our female representative on the K-9 squad, which means that you’re going to have to find us one additional female K-9.”

Mayor Michael Taylor praised the K-9 officers for keeping the city safe and also thanked Marcum’s sister for attending the presentation.

“Your presence here means a lot to us. It means a lot to me, personally,” he said. “This could not be easy for you, but I want to tell you that we’re really proud to have a K-9 officer carrying on your brother’s legacy.”