Sheriff K-9 comforts scared child.

Little Zoe is all smiles with her new friend, Laz.

Sheriff K-9 comforts scared child.

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

GOLDEN TOWNSHIP — Sometimes all you need is a little love from a furry friend to cheer you up and warm your heart.

That is exactly what Oceana County Sheriff’s K-9 Laz accomplished when he sprang into action Tuesday evening, June 22, to cheer up a frightened and cold little girl.

Laz was working the night shift around 9:30 p.m. when he was dispatched to a water emergency on Silver Lake with his handler Sgt. Cam Hanson. 

“We had received information that a kayak had overturned on the dune side of Silver Lake, and there were several individuals who needed assistance in getting back to shore,” said Hanson.

“With the assistance of a private individual and their boat, we were able to get them all back home safely. Five-year- old Zoe was shaken up and cold.

“Laz did a personal meet and greet with Zoe to cheer her up and insisted she head home with a K-9 Laz plushie. Sometimes it’s about using your community police dogs just to spread cheer in unfortunate situations.”

The child was given a stuffed toy dog plushie that is a replica of beloved Laz.

Laz is a Belgium Malinois who joined the department and fellow four-legged officer Kreiger in 2020.

Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast resurrected the K-9 program in Oceana County in 2017 shortly after being elected. Mast unveiled the first K-9 on Oceana’s department in nearly 10 years when German Shepherd Krieger came on board.

“This story is an example of the hidden benefits of having a K-9 program in our community,” said Sheriff Mast.

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