By Jim Bloch
The Marysville Police Department introduced its new canine officer Zeva and her handler, Officer Travis Baldwin, at the regular meeting of the city council June 12.
Zeva is a one-year old German shepherd mix, said Assistant Police Chief Ed Gerrow.
“She’s still in training somewhat,” said Gerrow.
The dog spent the five weeks at the training facility called Chase K-9.
“They were working with the dog in the Emmet area,” Gerrow said. “Then Officer Baldwin joined her for the next five weeks. They both became certified in narcotics detection and tracking. So she has the ability to go out on the road now and perform some duties. She’s going to continue to train. She’s learning how to ride in a police car, to obey her new master. We anticipate in October her being certified in bite work, article searches, building searches and a little more in obedience. She’s a very good dog, very respectful. She’s very friendly. That was part of our goal here. We’ve achieved that. She’s been certified by the United States Canine Association, which has been in place since 1971. So there’s been many police canines in the United States that have been certified through this corporation. They’re well renowned. We are glad to have Zeva as part of our staff. Officer Baldwin has been doing an excellent job. I’ve gotten reports from the staff at Chase K-9. They’re very adamant that he’s going to be an excellent handler and that’s what we’re looking for. We’re very glad we have her and Travis on board at the department.”
Mayor Kathy Hayman welcomed Zeva to the department and congratulated Baldwin.
“I know this is life changing,” said Hayman. “This is like having a baby at home and good luck to you.”
The council and audience applauded.
In February, Hayman and the city council to wished K-9 Heiko a happy retirement after seven years of human service and a half-century of dog service and acknowledged the dedicated work of Heiko’s handler Officer Justin Reeves. The council formally named the city’s dog park on River Road after Heiko.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.