Assault injuries force K-9 to retire

A Kalamazoo police K-9 dog was forced to retire early due to injuries he suffered while apprehending a suspect.

It was September 2007 when Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officer Marc Rifenberg and his K-9 Ranger were tracking a suspect that had assaulted paramedics and fled on foot in the 1800 block of Humphrey Street.

K-9 Ranger located the suspect who then charged the officers and viciously struck the dog over the head with a large 2×4 board. Ranger was knocked to the ground and momentarily dazed from the assault. He regained his footing and apprehended the suspect.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officer Marc Rifenberg and K-9 Ranger (courtesy KDPS).

Ranger has been able to work since the assault. But he has developed frequent seizures and was forced to retire in June.

Ranger is 8 years old and has been with KDPS since 2002.

On June 26, Officer Rifenberg and Ranger were presented awards at the national seminar in Northbrook, Ill. Officer Rifenberg received the Exemplary Service Award for his actions during the 2007 incident and Ranger received the K-9 Valor Award for his actions that night as well.

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