K-9 Officer visits Edmunds 3rd Graders

Des Moines Police K-9 Officer Emir is A Rock Star for Edmunds Third Graders

The third grade classes at Edmunds Elementary had a visit from two Des Moines Police officers in January, who brought along a special member of the force: an international (and interspecies) guest who is in the K-9 Unit for the Des Moines force. Mrs. Kristi Dusenbery’s and Ms. Michelle Nelson’s 3rd graders had the opportunity to meet the four-legged “K-9” Emir, who is police Sgt. Mark Miller’s extraordinary partner. Also joining the 3rd graders in the visit was officer Sgt. Tina Kalar, who is Youth Services Coordinator for the Des Moines Police Department.

Emir is a 6 year old German Shepard from the Czech Republic who understands English, German, & sign language. He has been partners with Sgt. Miller since he was 11 months old. Emir was clearly a Rock star to all the 3rd graders and Edmund adults that has the opportunity to visit with him – after all he can jump 6 foot walls, weighs over 100 LBS, climbs ladders and can run 30 MPH! Emir is trained to protect Sgt. Miller and assist in the protection of the community. The officers gave the wide-eyed classes a demonstration as to Emirs’ communication skills and responsiveness. The students had many questions for the officers about Emirs habits, living arrangements and how he spends his working day. At the end of the presentation a couple of the students had the opportunity to get close and handle the talented Emir, but he was a lot to handle!