Midland County, MI Sheriff Adding New K9 Unit This Year

Midland, MI – Midland County will soon have an additional law enforcement resource after the sheriff’s office announced Wednesday that a foundation grant will fund the creation of a new K9 unit.

According to the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation awarded a grant supporting the establishment of the new unit, which is expected to begin operating later this year.

The sheriff’s office did not announce the dollar amount of the grant. Officials said the funding will be used to purchase a dedicated vehicle and specialized equipment needed to establish and operate the K9 program.

Once operational, the K9 team is expected to assist deputies throughout Midland County with several types of law enforcement calls. Those could include detecting and locating illegal narcotics, tracking and locating individuals, conducting searches and responding to other situations where a trained police dog can provide specialized assistance.

Sheriff Scott Holzinger said the grant will give the department resources needed to establish the program and provide deputies with another tool for serving the community.

The Dow Foundation said its relationship with Midland County dates back decades. Foundation President and Trustee R. Alan Doan said the organization issued its first grant to the county in 1956 and described the new K9 funding as another public-safety investment.

The sheriff’s office also said the new unit could assist other law enforcement agencies and public-safety partners in Midland County when K9 resources are needed.

Officials expect to begin implementing the program later in 2026. Additional information about the K9, including its breed, handler and specific training, was not included in Wednesday’s announcement.