(616) 355-1173
One of many suggestions to arise out of a Community Policing Study Group in December, 2000, was that a canine (K-9) Unit be established at HDPS. Chief John A. Kruithoff proposed to the Holland City Council that two K-9 teams be created with a start-up cost of $87,000 and annual maintenance and veterinary costs to be $14,000.
The HDPS K-9 Team currently consists of two, dual-purpose handler/dog teams: Ofc. Scott Doza and "Harrand", and Ofc. Joe Slenk and "Henry".
"Harrand" is a Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands. "Henry" is a black-coated Hungarian Shepherd.
In July, 2001, Ofcs. Moerland and Doza spent four weeks training with their charges at Northern Michigan K-9 Inc., in Harrison, MI. In August of 2001, the HDPS K-9 Unit hit the streets of Holland!
About $37,000 of the total estimated costs was raised through donations and fund-raising efforts. The crowning gift HPD received was from the Holland Kennel Club on Monday, August 6th, 2001, in the amount of $10,000.
In December, 2008, "Grego" was retired as a police service dog. After seven-plus years of faithful and outstanding service, Ofc. Moerland also ended his K9 handler career. Ofc. Joe Slenk was chosen to replace Officer Moerland as the newest K-9 handler at HPD.
The K-9 Teams train together one day a week concentrating on tracking, narcotic searches, building searches, article searches and handler protection.
