Detroit’s Very Own Wayne County Sheriff K9 Enhances Squad with New Members and Ballistic Safety

Detroit’s Very Own Wayne County Sheriff K9 Finds More Furry Heroes and Ballistic Safety

In the heart of Detroit, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit is expanding its squad with the addition of two new working dogs. On top of that, one of the department’s existing K9 officers now boasts a state-of-the-art, custom-fitted ballistic vest, providing an extra layer of protection when the duty calls.

Rick Cadez, a corporal in the sheriff’s department, is very familiar with the pressures of working on the frontline with his K9 partner, Gunner. Together, they’ve faced head-on danger during night patrols, in search of armed suspects, even in challenging weather conditions. Unfortunately, Gunner lacked a bulletproof vest, a reality that created constant worry for Cadez.

“The importance of a vest for these K9 officers can’t be overstated. Just like us, they need protection too,” explains Cadez.

So, to rectify this situation, Cadez applied for a bulletproof vest for Gunner through Brady’s K9 Fund. This Ohio-based non-profit initiative provides free ballistic vests for police and military dogs. They not only approved the request but also funded a custom ballistic vest for Gunner, thanks to a generous donation from a Ford plant worker from Howell, who worked overtime to sponsor the vest.

Gunner’s new vest, valued at approximately $1,500, is one of the advancements the K9 Unit has recently experienced. The Sheriff’s Department also managed to secure a grant for the addition of two more dogs to the Unit. These new recruits are intended to serve in explosive detection and regular patrol duties, increasing the K9 unit’s strength to six dogs total.

“These dogs play a crucial role as locating tools, with their superior sense of smell. Their capability in explosive detection makes them an integral part of securing important places like during the NFL draft or high-profile visits,” adds Cadez.

In fact, police dogs form a special bond with their human partners, often living with them as family pets when they’re not on duty.

Gunner’s custom-designed vest is said to be lightweight and comfortable, allowing him to wear it for the entirety of his shift while keeping him ready for action.

The source of Gunner’s new ballistic vest, Brady’s K9 Fund, was established by an Ohio boy, Brady Snakovsky, who was just eight years old at the time. Since its inception, the fund has provided vests to over 1,100 dogs and currently has about 56 dogs on the waiting list.

Not only the US, but the fund has extended its help overseas too, providing vests for K9s in Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, the UK, and Afghanistan.

Following the addition of two new dogs to the unit named Ghost and Zuko, Cpl. Michael Noe and Deputy Ramiro Sauceda are proud to be their respective partners. Chosen from ten dogs tested at the Pennsylvania-based Shallow Creek Kennels, Ghost and Zuko exemplified the necessary drive, confidence, and sociability required for the job.

As for the experienced K9 Gunner, he has already been called to service for critical missions such as assisting the U.S. Secret Service with explosive sweeps when the Vice President Kamala Harris visited Detroit.

The shared sentiment within the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department can be summed up neatly: while heading for dangerous situations, their canine partners, now more than ever, are better equipped and ready to face any peril head-on, shielded by their new vests.