NEW KINGSFORD PUBLIC SAFETY K-9 Scout attended the city council meeting Monday to receive his certification and was “sworn in” by Mayor Joseph Groeneveld. From left are council members Cynthia Dixon-Miller and Daniel Freeman; Officer Rodney Woodward with K-9 partner Scout; Groeneveld; council member Michael Flaminio; City Attorney Henry McRoberts; council member Dennis Baldinelli; and City Manager Mike Stelmaszek. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

KINGSFORD — Kingsford Public Safety’s first K-9 officer was sworn in and received his certification at Monday’s council meeting.

Scout, a 17-month-old Dutch shepherd from the Netherlands, is partnered with Officer Rodney Woodward.

“I know I’m new, but it’s been great,” Woodward said. Scout also loves it, he said. “He knows how to turn it on and turn it off.”

Woodward and Scout attended a five-week intensive team-building course at D&D K9 Dynamics in Gladstone. They received certification from Sammi Grzybowski, president and trainer, and Mathias Munger, a master trainer with the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers.

Munger told the council that Scout is an outstanding dog, especially in his tracking skills.

Scout is certified in narcotics detection, obedience, tracking, article search and area search, suspect apprehension and handler protection.

“It’s been a good addition,” Public Safety Director Brandon Rutter said.

Woodward is married to Lana and they have three children and a pug. He has been with KPS since August 2013.

Scout is the second K-9 added in local law enforcement this year. Cheeto, a Belgian malinois, joined the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office in June.

Both were added after Iron Mountain Police Department retired Falcon, also a Belgian malinois, in February after more than eight years of service. IMPD decided against another K-9 due to personnel limitations.