A new leash on law enforcement: K-9 Mando joins Midland County

Give Mando his favorite toy, a Kong ball with a rope attached, and Deputy Zack Ferrier might as well not exist. For those few moments, nothing else matters. It’s a funny glimpse into the personality of Midland County’s newest four-legged deputy and a reminder that behind the badge is a dog who loves to play, travel with his family and spend time with children. But don’t let that playful personality fool you. Mando has an important job to do, and he and Ferrier are ready to get back to work.

The pair first teamed up in Isabella County in December 2022, but their time on patrol ended when the county eliminated its road patrol program in 2024. Ferrier continued his career in law enforcement, eventually joining the Midland County Sheriff’s Office in January 2026. Now, after nearly two years away from working together, the two are getting a second chance. Mando officially joined the department on Oct. 16, with regular patrol duties expected to begin in January 2027.

“We’re very excited. We’re very fortunate. We’re looking forward to serving the Midland County community and the surrounding communities to make them a safer place,” Ferrier shares.

Mando, an approximately six-year-old Belgian Malinois, is trained to detect narcotics, follow human scents, search buildings and outdoor areas, recover evidence and protect his handler. He’s already put those skills to use, helping investigators find missing individuals and uncover illegal drugs. In February 2024, his work during a traffic stop on U.S. 10 led authorities to two pounds of methamphetamine and an illegal handgun.

Ferrier’s interest in K-9 work began long before Mando entered his life. He started his law enforcement career at 18, working in corrections at the Isabella County Jail before moving into dispatch and eventually becoming a police officer. While working for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Police Department, he met K-9 handler Derek Williams, whose dedication left a lasting impression.

“He was the example that every officer should follow, in my opinion,” Ferrier says. “He always picked up his phone. He always came to calls. His dog was spot on.”

Williams taught Ferrier that successful K-9 work requires patience, dedication and a willingness to continually improve. Those lessons helped shape the partnership he would eventually build with Mando.

For Midland County Sheriff Scott Holzinger, establishing a K-9 unit has been a priority since he decided to run for sheriff. After nearly 24 years with the department, he knows firsthand how valuable a trained dog can be.

“I’ve worked here 24 years. We’ve never had a dog,” Holzinger says. “There were numerous times when it would have been nice to have a dog, whether it’s a suspicious traffic stop or you have a missing person.”

A grant from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation is helping make that vision possible, providing funding for a dedicated vehicle and specialized equipment. Mando will also complement the sheriff’s office drone team, pairing aerial searches with a dog’s extraordinary sense of smell. In a rural county with miles of wooded areas and farmland, that combination could make a significant difference.

“To have eyes in the sky, and then that sniffer working on the ground,” Holzinger explains, “I feel really good about this being like the exclamation point on our tools.”

The new unit will also strengthen collaboration with the City of Midland Police Department, which employs K-9 Leo. Both agencies will be able to assist one another when additional resources are needed, ensuring residents benefit from the capabilities of both teams.

While Mando’s training is impressive, Ferrier is just as happy to talk about the dog behind the badge. Mando is energetic, social and has what Ferrier calls a pretty good “off switch.” He knows when it’s time to work, but he’s equally happy relaxing with his family or enjoying his favorite toys. That friendly personality makes him especially well-suited for community events and school visits.

The pair has participated in March is Reading Month activities, visiting elementary classrooms and introducing students to the world of police K-9s. Ferrier laughs that older students are often more interested in hearing about Mando than listening to a book. “He’s super friendly,” Ferrier says.

Those visits do more than entertain students. They give children an opportunity to interact with law enforcement in a positive setting, ask questions and discover that the people behind the badges are approachable. It’s the kind of connection that can make a lasting impression.

At home, Mando is part of the Ferrier family. He shares a special bond with Ferrier’s daughter, who happens to be one of the few people besides her father who can consistently get him to listen. Ferrier’s wife also has a working dog, a bloodhound she trains for search and rescue, so life with four-legged partners is nothing new to the household.

Mando has also become quite the traveler. He’s visited Chicago and Mount Rushmore and accompanied the family on hunting trips to Montana and South Dakota. Ferrier prefers bringing him along rather than leaving him in someone else’s care. Whether they’re working or enjoying a family vacation, the two are rarely far apart.

That relationship becomes especially important when it’s time to work. Ferrier and Mando train regularly to maintain their certifications and sharpen their skills. A successful K-9 handler must understand not only a dog’s strengths but also its limitations. Ferrier knows, for example, that Mando dislikes certain metal road grates. It may seem insignificant, but understanding those reactions can make a difference when navigating unpredictable situations.

“We’ve trained and we’ve been on enough incidents together that I know how he’s going to act,” Ferrier explains. “I have full confidence in him. I have full confidence in my abilities.”

That trust is essential when the pair is called upon to search for missing people, locate narcotics or respond to potentially dangerous situations. Mando will also assist with searches at the Midland County Jail, helping staff identify illegal drugs and other prohibited items.

The program is still taking shape, but community support has been encouraging. Along with the Dow Family Foundation’s grant, local businesses have stepped forward to provide Mando’s food and routine veterinary care, helping offset expenses that would otherwise fall on the county’s general fund.

Holzinger also sees opportunities for Mando to connect with residents through school visits, community events and everyday interactions. Still, he emphasizes that public safety comes first.

“He’s not a pet first. He’s a working dog, and we got him to work,” Holzinger says. “But there’s so many different avenues that we could use for him that will be a benefit here.”

Ferrier welcomes opportunities to introduce Mando to the public but reminds residents to ask permission before approaching or petting him. Even a friendly dog may be focused on a task, and when the pair is working, their attention needs to remain on the job.

There’s something special about the relationship between a K-9 and his handler. It’s built through countless hours of training, shared experiences and the understanding that they may one day depend on each other for their safety. It’s also found in the quieter moments, family adventures and a favorite ball that can make everything else disappear.

Midland County is gaining a valuable law enforcement resource, and Ferrier is getting his partner back. Together, they’ll help protect residents, support fellow officers and build relationships throughout the community. And when the work is done, Mando will be more than happy to trade his badge for a little playtime.