K-9 Koa an awesome law enforcement partner

Contributions from generous donors and T-shirt sales are helping to fund Unadilla Twp.’s K-9 team. Photo credit Mary Jo David

by Mary Jo David

If you were to list the traits of a perfect co-worker, what would you include? Probably someone who is fun and entertaining, but most importantly, smart and knows when to get down to business. Officer Bill Carr of the Unadilla Township Police Department has exactly that in a partner—except his partner, Koa, has four legs, a tail, and an Instragram account (koa_k916).

Carr and Koa make up Unadilla’s K-9 team, which officially hit the road in November 2020.

“Koa is a perfect partner,” Carr explained. “We have an incredible bond. Her playfulness serves as a valuable icebreaker when we’re out in public, but she is always ready to get serious and work hard when it’s time.”

Koa is certified in narcotics detection, tracking, and article search, and she is currently in training for apprehension certification. According to Carr, “Koa can follow a trail or scent that humans can’t begin to pick up, and she is very capable at sniffing out narcotics.”

Prior to being road-patrol ready, this 18-month-old Belgian Malinois attended a six-week academy accompanied by her partner Carr. They continue training, about the equivalent of one shift a week.

Although it may sound unusual to refer to Koa as a law enforcement partner, she is every bit of that and more; even at the end of the day, Koa goes home to be with Carr and his family. She also is protected by state of Michigan statutes that recognize Koa and K-9s like her for the special role they play in police work.

Officer Carr has been working part time with the Unadilla Township PD since 2012. Before that he was a firefighter, and he also works for DTE. He has an extensive history of working with dogs and police departments—primarily bloodhounds for tracking and trailing, which Carr did for 11 years. During that time, he also trained other law enforcement officers and K-9s in these skills.

At one time, Unadilla Township had a shared arrangement with Pinckney PD for a K-9 unit, but after Pinckney decided to discontinue its participation, Unadilla also had to forego the K-9 option. In 2020, thanks to Officer Carr’s interest, Unadilla was able to reinstate its K-9 team.

In February 2020, Carr purchased Koa, and he continues to pay for much of her upkeep and training. He also attends, on his own time, the ongoing weekly trainings with Koa. In addition, Unadilla Township was fortunate to receive an initial generous donation that helped to defray some of the almost $20,000 cost of ramping up this unit.

Koa is playful and energetic but all business when there’s work to be done. Photo credit Mary Jo David

“Having a K-9 team is a huge asset to our department, whether we need assistance finding a lost child or an Alzheimer’s patient or locating someone fleeing from law enforcement,” said Unadilla Township Police Chief Dave Russell.

The K-9 team represents a significant investment in time and money; for example, the department is in the process of adapting an existing patrol car to accommodate Koa.

“We wouldn’t have been able to get our K-9 team off the ground if it wasn’t for Officer Carr’s commitment of time, expertise, and Koa’s upkeep , as well as some generous donations from the public,” Russell said.

The township welcomes contributions to help with the ongoing annual costs, estimated at $6,000–$8,000, to maintain the K-9 program. To raise funds, the department is selling T-shirts that prominently feature Koa on the back. These are available at the department, located at 126 Webb St. in Gregory. Prices are $20 ($22 for XXL and larger). T-shirts also can be purchased through Whitney Casterline of Paws Perfect (122 Main St. in Gregory) who generously provides free grooming for Koa.

Officer Bill Carr’s commitment and dedication to Koa and the Unadilla Township K-9 team have been instrumental in turning the team into a reality. Photo credit Mary Jo David