Kingsford ‘swears in’ new K-9 Scout | News, sports, jobs

NEW KINGSFORD PUBLIC SAFETY K-9 Scout attended the city council meeting Monday to receive his certification and was “sworn in” by Mayor Joseph Groeneveld. From left to right, Councilors Cynthia Dixon-Miller and Daniel Freeman; Officer Rodney Woodward with K-9 partner Scout; Groeneveld; Councilman Michael Flaminio; City Attorney Henry McRoberts; Councilman Dennis Baldinelli; and City Manager Mike Stelmaszek. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

KINGSFORD – Kingsford Public Safety’s first K-9 officer was sworn in and received his certification during Monday’s council meeting.

Scout, a 17-month-old Dutch Shepherd from the Netherlands, teams up with Officer Rodney Woodward.

‘I know I’m new, but it was great’ Woodward said. Scout loves it too, he said. “He knows how to turn it on and off.”

Woodward and Scout completed an intensive five-week team building course at D&D K9 Dynamics in Gladstone. They received certifications from Sammi Grzybowski, president and trainer, and Mathias Munger, a master trainer with the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers.

Munger told the board that Scout is an excellent dog, especially in his tracking skills.

Scout is certified in narcotics detection, obedience, tracking, item and area search, suspect apprehension, and handler protection.

“It has been a good addition” Public Safety Director Brandon Rutter said.

Woodward is married to Lana and they have three children and a pug. He has been working at KPS since August 2013.

Scout is the second K-9 to be added to local law enforcement this year. Cheeto, a Belgian Malinois, joined the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office in June.

Both were added after Iron Mountain Police Falcon, also a Belgian Malinois, retired in February after more than eight years of service. IMPD decided against another K-9 due to staffing limitations.