K-9 Jari (pronounced Ya-Dee) and Deputy R.A. Rodden have been partners since 2001, when they graduated from Northern Michigan K-9 Inc.; located near Harrison, Michigan on August 3, 2001.

    K-9 Jari is a Black and Tan German Shepherd from the Netherlands and was born on July 11, 1997.  K-9 Jari has been trained in explosives detection, tracking, building searches, area searches, article recovery, handler protection and suspect apprehension.  K-9 Jari is also an active member in “Dogs Against Drugs Dogs Against Crime (DAD/DAC)” and “The United States Police Canine Association Inc. (USPCA)”.

    In the past two years K-9 Jari has conducted over 200 explosives searches with several explosive devices being found.  K-9 Jari has also assisted other Law Enforcement agencies such as the F.B.I., A.T.F.E. and the U.S. Marshals.

    Funding for K-9 Jari came primarily from the school districts located in Livingston County.  Recognizing the need for an explosives detection dog in the community the superintendents of the school pooled their recourses to fill this need.  Special thanks to Hartland Schools Superintendent Mr. Pete Caroselli, who with out his work and dedication to the Sheriff’s Department the addition of K-9 Jari would not have been possible.

    Besides all of the duties that K-9 Jari performs as a Sheriff Deputy, he is a very sociable canine who lives at home with Deputy R.A. Rodden and his family.   K-9 Jari enjoys giving demonstrations for local schools, businesses and organizations.  If your class, business, or organization would like a demonstration, please contact the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit.