Holland Police K-9 Emil retires after distinguished career
After eight years of dedicated and unwavering service to the citizens of Holland and the wider West Michigan community, K-9 Emil, a nearly 10-year-old German shepherd and Belgian malinois mix, has officially retired from the Holland Department of Public Safety.
HOLLAND — After eight years of dedicated and unwavering service to the citizens of Holland and the wider West Michigan community, K-9 Emil, a nearly 10-year-old German shepherd and Belgian malinois mix, has officially retired from the Holland Department of Public Safety.
The celebrated police dog now begins his new chapter as a full-time family pet with his longtime handler, Holland Public Safety Officer Ben Reuschel.
Emil’s career, which spanned from September 2017 to September 2025, was marked by consistent performance and profound impact. Emil came from the Northern Michigan K-9, but was originally born in Slovakia and trained to respond to commands given in Czech.
He maintained yearly certification through the International Police Working Dog Association throughout his tenure.
“Emil served the citizens of Holland and the greater West Michigan community with unwavering loyalty and distinction,” said Sgt. Adam Israel. “Through countless searches, tracks and high-risk situations, Emil protected officers and citizens alike.”
A career of courage, instinct
“Emil was more than just a partner; he was an integral part of patrol duties and the Special Enforcement Team, where his natural instincts and courage consistently shone bright,” said Israel.
“Emil was an invaluable member of the department,” Israel said. “His contributions improved the K-9 Unit, and his service will be remembered for years to come.”
The partnership between Emil and Reuschel began in 2017 after the duo completed an intensive, month-long training program at Northern Michigan K-9. As a dual-purpose K-9, Emil was skilled in a variety of vital police work, including tracking, narcotic searches, building and article searches and handler protection, Israel said.
Formal transfer of title
The transition from police asset to family companion was formalized on Oct. 28, when the police department formally assigned and conveyed all rights, title and interest in Emil to Reuschel.
Reuschel accepted full ownership and complete responsibility for Emil.
Emil’s retirement marks the end of a successful chapter within the police department’s K-9 Team, which was established in 2001. The unit is currently composed of four dual-purpose handler/dog teams, all of whom train together one day a week to maintain their core skills.
Current HDPS K-9 teams:
- Officer Jeremy Schoen with Obi (German Shepherd), joined 2023
- Officer John Rathjen with West (Belgian Malinois), joined 2023
- Officer Christian Slenk with Eddie (Belgian Malinois), joined 2024
- Officer Nick Khodl with Mando (Belgian Malinois), joined 2025
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
