Highland Park adds K9 to police force

Highland Park is getting a new addition to its police force and the newest officer will be able to go after all kinds of bad guys thanks to her special training.

Meet Trexx, a 1-year-old Dutch Shepherd who was in Livingston County Thursday where police dogs receive their training.

"Bad guys, people run from stolen cars or felons who run from breaking and entering, she'll be able to track and we can apprehend them safely," said Officer Christopher Zuellig, Highland Park police.

Highland Park has been without a canine officer since Officer Christopher Zuellig's partner Kilo was killed a year ago at age 2. So Trexx is training with K9 expert Livingston County Sheriff's Office 20-year K9 Deputy Jeff Krysan.

"When I heard Chris' story about how he lost his dog basically in his prime (I wanted to) get Trexx trained up and hopefully he'll find a good with Chris and solve some crimes out there in Highland Park," Krysan said.

Nicholas King owner and trainer with Von Der King Kennels in Howell donated Trexx at no cost to Highland Park PD.

"Typically we like to start our dogs from puppy up," said King. "We'll start their training at around 10 weeks of age and we'll fully immerse them into detection work, apprehension work, obedience, and tracking. And normally a dog is on the street a year and a half to two years old.

They placed crack cocaine in the left rear wheel well of an SUV as part of her training.

"What he does is he gives what's called a final response which means he will sit at the source of the narcotics odor," Krysan said.

And Trexx can run, bite and hold.

Highland Park police established a GoFundMe page to help obtain a K9 body armor vest and K9 patrol expenses.

CLICK HERE to donate and anyone seeking info on Trexx can learn more by calling Highland Park PD at 313-252-0050 Ext 258.