Home : News : Local : Kalamazoo and Battle Creek :

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

Regular Photo Size

Assault injuries force K-9 to retire

K-9 Ranger is 8 years old

Updated: Monday, 13 Jul 2009, 8:49 AM EDT
Published : Monday, 13 Jul 2009, 8:49 AM EDT

    KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - 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 2x4 board. Ranger was knocked to the ground and momentarily dazed from the assault. He regained his footing and apprehended the suspect.

    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.

    • Comments
    Opinions that are derogatory, attack other users, offer unsubstantiated facts or are offensive in nature can and will be removed as defined by the Terms of Service. WOOD is not responsible for the content posted in this comment section. We reserve the right to remove any offensive or off-topic remark or thread. To mark a comment for review by a moderator, click "Report."
    • Must See Video