Doggone it

City K-9 officers don donated vests

 

Westland Ofc. Odin

Two Westland police officers will be a lot safer following the donation of customized body armor, designed to protect them in emergency situations.

Canine officers Odin and Rio of the Westland Police Department K9 unit will receive bullet and stab protective vests funded by a donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The vests for the German shepherd officers are being funded by Sharon Peters of Grosse Pointe Shores, and will be embroidered with the sentiment "In memory of Det. Lt. Richard J. Scott." Delivery of the safety equipment is expected within 6 to 8 weeks, officials said.

Westland Ofc. Rio

Both Westland canine officers have been in service since last year. Rio works with Ofc. Derik Trosper and Odin is partnered with Ofc. Andrew Teschendorf. Both the dogs are fully trained, multi-purpose German shepherds and are certified through the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers (NAPCH) and K-9 ATF.  They are trained in: area searches; building searches; evidence searches; handler protection; narcotic detection; obedience and tracking.

Prior to certification with NAPCH and K-9 ATF, the dogs are required to complete a four-month training academy with their human partners and the teams are required to pass an extensive certification course. 

The canine teams continue to train weekly including life-like scenarios that officers may come across while on patrol, according to the Westland Police Department.

 Purchase of the dogs and their training was approved by members of the Westland City Council last year at a cost not to exceed $25,200.

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