Bak

Handler: Cooper Watkins
Breed: German Shepherd
DOB: 3/14/2015
Department: Corewell Health Private Security Police
Function: Explosive Detection and Patrol
Years Worked: 10/2016 – 3/2025

K9 Bak is a patrol and explosive detection canine who completed his training from BlueLine Police K-9 in November 2016. Bak served with the Corewell Health Private Security Police Department and holds certifications from both the International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA) and the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA). On a daily basis, Bak patrols Corewell Health’s facilities, parking lots, and sidewalks to deter and prevent criminal activities. His patrol duties encompass human scent tracking, article searches, building and area searches, violent offender apprehension, and explosive materials detection.

In addition to active patrol, Bak engages with patients, guests, and staff across all Corewell Health hospitals and office locations. Corewell Health is an integrated health system comprising 22 hospitals and over 300 care facilities throughout Michigan. Bak works in diverse environments and interacts with many of Corewell Health’s more than 65,000 employees, as well as numerous patients and families. The efforts of Bak and the continued dedication to community policing have brought joy and smiles to many individuals while maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Bak has been featured on various media platforms including Fox 17 Grand Rapids, WHTC Holland 1450AM/99.7FM, The Daily News (Montcalm County MI), Corewell Health HealthBeat, Star 105.7FM, among others. The team has also been recognized with The Skip Brewster award for outstanding performance in explosive detection, securing 1st place at the 2018 and 2022 USPCA Region 19 detector dog trials, and achieving 3rd place in 2024.

Certifications and Qualifications:

International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA) Police Service Dog Team (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020*, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA) Explosives Detection Certification (2018, 2019, 2020*, 2021, 2022, 2024)
United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) Explosive Detection and Tracking Certified (2018, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Canine health certificate by Wyoming Animal Hospital (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
BlueLine Police K-9 Remote Collar for Police K9 presented by Sit Means Sit (November 2016)
BlueLine Police K9 Patrol Dog Explosive Detection Academy (October/November 2016)
(*) Indicates COVID-19 emergency extension of 2019 Certification approved by IPWDA board of Directors