K9 Unit

Canine teams may be used to provide specialized services to support the mission, goals and objectives of the Berrien County Sheriff Office.  Recognizing that canines have a superior sense of smell and hearing, the trained law enforcement canine is a valuable supplement to police staffing.

Canines may be used for :

  • Conducting building searches for hidden offenders.
  • Locating lost, missing or incapacitated persons.
  • Tracking suspects who have fled crime scenes.
  • Conducting crime scene and area searches for discarded evidence, such as clothing, weapons, etc.
  • Detecting the presence of narcotic substances.
  • Assisting in the establishment of probable cause in asset forfeiture cases.
  • Other situations not mentioned above when deemed appropriate.

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office canine teams are available 24 hours a day to assist when needed.

Deputy Crosby & K9 "Zeke"B Crosby and ZEKE

Deputy Brandon Crosby has been a police officer since 2003 and has been employed with the Sheriff's Office since 2010. During his career he has been assigned to road patrol and narcotics. In addition to being a canine handler, Deputy Crosby is a Standardized Field Sobriety Test instructor and Evidence Technician.

K9 Zeke was born in June of 2021 in Poland. K9 Zeke is a German Shepherd / Belgian Malinois mix. He is trained in explosives detection, tracking, and handler protection. His favorite toy is his reward ball. K9 Zeke is a fierce defend of his reward ball.

When K9 Zeke is not at work, he enjoys being in his kennel outside; watching people and watching any animals that go through his yard. Photo by Twin City Camera Club.


Deputy Frucci & K9 "Rex"Frucci and REX

Deputy Jessica Frucci has been employed with the Berrien County Sheriff's Office since 2011 and has been assigned to the Jail, Patrol, and Narcotics. In addition to being a K9 handler, Deputy Frucci is also a member of the Dive Team and is an Evidence Technician.

K9 Rex was born in September of 2021 in Belarus. K9 Rex is a German Shepherd. Commands for K9 Rex are in German, Czech, and English. He and his handler graduated FMK9 in April 2023 after completing 6 weeks of training.

K9 Rex is certified in Narcotics detection, tracking, building / area search, article search, obedience, handler protection, and apprehension. When he is not at work, he enjoys going for walks, running, playing with his toys, and treats. Photo by Twin City Camera Club.


Deputy GrimM & K9 "Thor"Grimm and Thor

Deputy Matthew Grimm has been with the Berrien County Sheriff's Office for 12 years and has been part of the enforcement division for seven years. Deputy Grimm is a member of the tactical response unit and a firearms instructor with the Sheriff's Office as well. Deputy Grimm has been a canine handler since June 2021, first working with K9 Odin and now Thor.

K9 Thor and Deputy Grimm have been in service for two years now. K9 Thor is a 2.5 year old Dutch Shepherd from Belarus. He is trained in narcotics detection, tracking, and handler protection. K9 Thor's primary function is to assist the enforcement division but is also integrated into the tactical response unit.

K9 Thor has assisted multiple agencies with narcotics detection, tracking, and search warrants. When he is not working, he enjoys his Kong toy and relaxing in his outside kennel. Photo by Twin City Camera Club.


Deputy Pifer & K9 "Odin"A Pifer and ODIN

Deputy Abigail Pifer is a ten year veteran of the Sheriff's Office and has served in the Jail and Enforcement Road Patrol. She is currently assigned to the Jail with K9 Odin, and they have been partners since December 2022. Deputy Pifer is a part of the Honor Guard team, Crisis Negotiation team and is a range instructor for the Training Division.

K9 Odin is a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix, born in May 2017. He is a single purpose narcotics detection dog assigned to the jail with his handler. At home he is a huge couch potato and loves his Kong toy. The vacuum cleaner is his enemy. Photo by Twin City Camera Club.