LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan State Police (MSP) is unleashing four new K-9 teams, and three replacement teams, after their graduation from the MSP 2025 Basic Canine School.
Ready to serve.
This graduating class adds to the 42 canine teams strategically placed throughout the state. The K-9s, along with their handlers, are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officials say the unit handles more than 6,100 requests for service each year.
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“Our canine teams provide an invaluable service to our police partners and the communities we protect,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “They cover every corner of our state, whenever the need arises, helping locate missing and vulnerable individuals, finding firearms used to commit crimes and taking drugs off the streets.”
The Basic Canine School is a 14-week intense training program conducted in-house by veteran MSP Canine Unit members. The MSP Canine Unit was established in 1960.
The MSP 2025 Basic Canine School graduates.
- Tpr. Luke Shafer and K-9 Koda at the Tri-City Post
- Tpr. Brendan Gute and K-9 Deke at the Cadillac Post
- Tpr. Michael Clemons and K-9 Ruze at the Lakeview Post
- Tpr. Austin Taylor and K-9 Kilo at the Alpena Post
The MSP Replacement teams.
- Tpr. Dieter Kochan and K-9 Roy at the Calumet Post
- Tpr. Benjamin Sonstrom and K-9 Zorro at the 2nd District Headquarters
- Tpr. Adam Whited and and K-9 Fenrir at the Houghton Lake Post
