Two-year-old Scout is a black Labrador Retriever and the newest officer with the Grand Valley Police Department.
“Went up to Clare Michigan and trained with the Northern Michigan Canine Training Group for four weeks where we certified in explosives.
Canine Officer Paul Weaver is Scout’s handler, a 19-year veteran of the campus police department. The dog will be used during gatherings like football games and special campus events as well as be available to other area agencies to help at schools and events.
Public Safety Director and Chief of Police Brandon DeHaan says Scout replaces the previous campus canine whose handler moved out of state.
“The handler took the dog with them and left a significant donation to the university that helped fund Scout’s purchase and the training that went with Scout.”
Weaver says the explosives K-9 will offer additional safety for the GVSU campuses and allow for greater connection with the Grand Valley community.
