City of Saginaw, Michigan

May 23, 2023 SAGINAW, MI – The Saginaw Police Department will welcome its newest K-9 member, a Shepherd/Malinois named Taz. This purchase was approved by Saginaw City Council at the May 22 City Council meeting.

Taz is a 15-month-old male Shepherd/Malinois mix from Portland, Oregon. Taz is completing his training program and will soon join his partner, Police Officer Dominic Vasquez, as an official member of the Saginaw Police K-9 unit. Taz will replace Saginaw K-9 Cigan, who retired on May 19, 2023. The addition of Taz will take the Police K-9 unit to a total of five trained SPD Police K-9’s.

Taz’ training will include tracking and imprinting him with odors for detection work. This training will prepare him to detect narcotics, search for lost children and vulnerable adults who wander away from their homes. Taz will soon be ready to go out on patrol with his new human partner.

The police dogs' capabilities are broad as "dual-purpose narcotics" dogs. The Saginaw Police K-9 Division plays an important role in the department’s efforts to curb drug activity on our streets and in the community. Taz will be patrol and narcotic certified, which means he will be able to seek out hidden drugs and contraband and also help to track lost children.

Saginaw Police Chief Bob Ruth expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming support of this program. “The addition of Taz is a huge benefit for the department and the citizens of our city. The contributions our K-9 unit brings to our force are immeasurable.”

For more information on the Saginaw Police K9 Unit, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SPK9U

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