An officer of the four-legged variety is joining the Oakland County Sheriff’s Independence Township substation.
Boomer, a 14-month old German Shepherd, joins officer Lonnie Mullins to create the new canine unit set to patrol the township following their graduation from the Oakland Police Academy at the end of June.
The duo will work midnights, but be available for other calls, according to Lt. Dale LaBair.
‘I think Lonnie will do a great job with that dog. It gives us immediate access to a tracking and drug dog,? said LaBair.
Boomer will function as a patrol utility dog used primarily for narcotics, tracking, handler protection and building searches, explained Mullins, who believes the unit will add to the department.
‘Whether people want to admit it or not, there are drugs in the area and with I-75 going through it he’ll have a lot of detection opportunities along 75 and make a positive impact,? said Mullins, noting Boomer will be certified to detect heroin, cocaine and marijuana.
Over the last four or five weeks, Mullins and Boomer have trained at the canine academy through the Oakland Police Academy, learning how to work together while conducting tracking and detection exercises.
While Mullins acknowledged there are always growing pains during the training as the two coordinate their skills, he expects all the kinks to be worked out soon.
‘Right now he’s a puppy and he acts like a puppy. He’s a very friendly and social dog,? said Mullins.
Serving on the force for 17 years and as a detective and patrolmen at the substation since 1999, Mullins asked to be involved with the canine unit.
‘It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always had an interest in dogs,? said Mullins, an admitted dog-lover who has his own 11-year-old Labrador retriever. ‘It’s the things they do and their abilities. I’ve always been interested in that aspect of law enforcement.?
In addition to the law enforcement aspects of the canine unit, Mullins looks forward to familiarizing Boomer with the community through demonstrations often conducted for school children.
‘That’s something I’m looking forward to. The kids love seeing the dogs,? said Mullins.
A press release from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office following the announcement of the opening of a new canine training facility in Independence Oaks, states the OCSO canine unit has 14 dogs. Two are trained for bomb detection, 11 in tracking, property recovery, handler protection and narcotic detection and one trained in arson investigation.

There’s a new cop patrolling Oxford Village and not only is he trained to fight crime, he’s got the know-how to battle fires and give medical treatment.
Duane Niedzwiezki, 31, was sworn in last week as a part-time officer for the village police department.
Niedzwiezki’s background includes serving eight years as a firefighter, paramedic and dispatcher for the Armada Township Fire Department and three years as a paramedic for the Mt. Clemens-based Med Star Ambulance, a private ambulance provider.
He also served two years as a corrections officer for the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department and is currently employed as an Emergency Center Technician for William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, where he’s worked for eight years including the Troy location.
Niedzwiezki said he’s “always had an interest” in police, fire and EMS services and wanted to “get my feet wet” in all three.
“I like to be versatile,” he said, noting he’s being cross-trained by the village police to also serve as a dispatcher when needed.
Police Chief Mike Neymanowski said he’s “thoroughly impressed” with Niedzwiezki and “thrilled” to have him as a member of the department.
“Duane’s definitely going to be an asset to our agency and this community,” the chief said.
Neymanowski said Niedzwiezki’s a “perfect fit” for the village because he’s worked in Armada so he’s familiar with the ways and needs of a small town.
After his swearing-in, Niedzwiezki told the village council, “I look forward to expanding my knowledge and skills and serving the community in a variety of ways.” He described his new position as a “very special opportunity.”
When he’s not fighting crime or saving lives, Niedzwiezki enjoys spending time with his wife and a 13-month-old son.