GVPD introduces new K9, Scout, to the media

The Grand Valley Police Department officially introduced its new K9, Scout, to local media Thursday. A press conference was held at the Laker Store on Monroe near Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids.

Scout joined the department in June after spending four weeks training with Officer Paul Weaver in Clare with an organization called Northern Michigan K9. Weaver and Scout are trained in explosives detection as well as search and rescue operations.

GVPD Chief Brandon DeHaan spoke about the importance of bringing Scout to campus and his role within the community.

"It really ups our game with our ability to interact with our community," said DeHaan. "As an explosives dog, this will be an asset that will help mitigate any issues that we have in relation to any explosive situations."

DeHaan said the department would utilize Scout in a similar way to its previous K9, Koda. Scout will play a significant role in safety operations during major university events such as football games, critical incidents on campus, as well as being available to respond to critical incidents at K-12 schools.