Police Dog Strikes a Pose: Narcotics Detection K-9 Featured in 2016 Calendar

Photo courtesy of David Shilale/ MA Vest-A-Dog: Mik, an eight-year-old German Shepherd certified in patrol duty and narcotics detection, has been partnered with Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Michael Kelley for seven years.

MALDEN, MA - Have you seen Mik around town?

Mik, an eight-year-old German Shepherd is certified in patrol duty and narcotics detection, The K-9 has been partnered with Lt. Michael Kelley of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department for seven years. In addition to their duties at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction, Lt. Kelley and Mik provide mutual assistance to area police departments and routinely participate in demonstrations for schools and community organizations.

Mik is one of a dozen police and fire dogs featured in the 2016 Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog calendar. Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog is a non-profit, whose mission is to support police dogs and K-9 units by bulletproof vests for K-9s, equipment, training, and dogs.

“This is great recognition for Lt. Kelley and Mik,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian in a statement. “They are an excellent team and a tremendous asset for the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office. I also want to thank Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog for their outstanding work and their continued support of our K-9 Unit.”

In recent years, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office has been able to acquire several pieces of training and protective equipment for its K-9 units thanks to Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog’s support. In 2014 the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office secured a $1760 grant awarded by Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog to acquire a bite suit, which is utilized for training purposes. Such suits allow the K-9s to safely conduct important apprehension drills, which are important aspects of training for both the K-9s and the handlers.

The 2016 calendars are available for a $10 donation, and include a 15th Anniversary MA Vest-a-Dog window decal.