News Summary

K-9 Soka, a German shorthair mix with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, has been safely recovered after going missing in Irons, Michigan. Last seen near Peacock Township Hall, Soka was found 4.5 miles away with minor injuries but in good health. The community’s support and collaboration with various law enforcement agencies were crucial in the search efforts, highlighting the bond between K-9s and their handlers.

Irons, Michigan: K-9 Soka Found Safe After Going Missing

K-9 Soka, a German shorthair mix and member of the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, has been found safe after going missing on Sunday in Irons, Michigan. Soka escaped from his handler and was last spotted approximately 1.5 miles from the Peacock Township Hall, situated in the Manistee National Forest.

Ultimately, Soka was located about 4.5 miles away from his last sighting by a local resident. While he did have a few porcupine needles embedded in his fur, he appeared to be in good health overall. As a precaution, he will be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure his well-being.

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the communities in Lake and Kent Counties for their support during the search for Soka. A successful collaborative effort engaged various agencies, including the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Manistee County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Grand Rapids Fire, and the Grand Rapids Police Department, who all played vital roles in the search operations.

Community Involvement

Individuals who contributed to the search were acknowledged for sharing social media posts, providing helpful tips, or directly participating in the search efforts. Community members from Peacock Township, Sauble, Wolf Lake, Baldwin, and Irons were specifically encouraged to join in looking for Soka. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough ground search, while the Kent County Sheriff’s Office utilized a drone to enhance the search.

About K-9 Soka

K-9 Soka is specially trained in narcotics detection and is known for his friendly demeanor. At the time he went missing, he was wearing a collar that had identification tags. Authorities advised anyone who spots Soka to secure him, if possible, and to contact their local Sheriff’s Office or Lake County Central Dispatch.

Background Context

Incidents of working dogs going missing can be distressing for law enforcement agencies and handlers alike, as these animals play an essential role in public safety operations. The successful recovery of Soka highlights the importance of community involvement and collaboration in search efforts. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office and all assisting agencies appreciate the prompt response and cooperation from the community, which significantly contributed to Soka’s safe return.

This incident serves as a reminder of the bonds formed between law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners in ensuring the safety and security of their communities.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WWMT News
• Wikipedia: K9 police dog
• 9 & 10 News
• Google Search: Kent County Sheriff K9 Soka
• CW7 Michigan
• Encyclopedia Britannica: K9 dogs
• Up North Live
• Google News: K9 Soka michigan
• Mix 957 GR
• Google Scholar: K9 search and rescue
• Country Herald

Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER

The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.