K9
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) K9 Unit is back in service after being
disbanded in 1988. Sheriff Mark Hackel promised to bring back the canine unit if
elected sheriff. “This is something the department has wanted for years,”
Sheriff Hackel said at the swearing in ceremony of the newest deputies. “This
wasn’t just a dream of mine.” K9 “Harry”, K9 “Dak” and K9 “Hewey” are now on the
job serving the residents of Macomb County.
The Sheriff recognized that conducting an effective investigation of criminal
offenses often requires the use of specialized tools and techniques. Because of
the canines’ superior sense of smell and hearing, these new deputy dogs will be
an invaluable enhancement of routine patrol activities and in assisting with
specialized police investigations.
K9 Harry is a patrol dog with certified training in the tracking of human scents
and a specialty in explosive detection. His expertise will be especially useful
in investigating public buildings and school bomb threats. His handler partner
is Sergeant Kevin Weldon.
K9 Hewey is certified in narcotics detection and will use his special training
to assist the Sheriff’s road patrol, the County’s Drug Unit (COMET), and school
drug sweeps. His handler partner is Deputy Mark Morfino.
K9 Dak is also a patrol dog with certified training in tracking of human scent
and narcotics Detection. His handler/partner is Deputy Matt Pecha.
The Sheriff’s K9 Units services are also available to assist any police agency.
Furthermore, MCSO K9 Units make a number of public appearances throughout the
year for activities such as:
• School Programs
• Social / Civic Functions
• Demonstrations
Sheriff Mark Hackel would like to especially thank those citizens who through
their generosity have “helped” get the Macomb County Sheriff’s K9 Teams off to a
memorable and productive start. Because of your support, this community will be
provided quality police services as effectively as possible.
If you would like more information about your Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit or would
like to include them in an upcoming event, please contact:
Captain Dave Teske at the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office
(586)-469-5151
Police Dog Facts:
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Dogs are the oldest known domesticated animals.
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There is proof that dogs were used in the day of the caveman to hunt food and
protect the cave.
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The first American cities to use trained police dogs were South Orange, New
Jersey in March, 1907 and New York, New York in October of 1907.
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Detroit was the first in Michigan to have K9’s starting around 1917.
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There have been approximately 3,250 (as of 1996) police canine programs in
2,500 different police / sheriff forces since the dog concept came to America.
All but 14 of these have been implemented since January, 1954.
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Today, there are approximately 7,000 police dog teams in the United States.
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