Michigan State Police Trooper Mack Schlicht and his K-9 partner, Wick, do exercises outside, part of their training for narcotics search and seizure procedures. (Journal photo by Jeffery Maki)

NEGAUNEE — “He’s the best partner I could ever have,” said Michigan State Police Trooper Mack Schlicht. “He doesn’t talk back a whole lot.”

Wick, the 4-year-old German shepherd, wagged his tail and looked up at his handler and partner.

The Michigan State Police Negaunee Post hosted an open house from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, offering the public a chance to come in to learn about the law enforcement work and members.

By 1 p.m., around 50 adults and children were in attendance, talking and learning in the bright 70-degree weather.

Schlicht and Wick running through the yard and doing exercises caught the children’s attention. Despite Wick getting caught up in his leash, just like any other dog, police dogs are not like normal house pets, Schlicht said.

“He’s an outdoor animal. He doesn’t come in with the family and his fun time is work,” Schlicht said.

Police dogs and their handlers take 14 weeks to go through basic training. Most of Wick’s work is searching cars for narcotics, and his favorite part of the job is property searches, Schlicht said.

An armored truck greeted visitors coming in with displays of tactical gear such as rifles, body armor and robots. Trooper Jonah Bonovetz and a couple other emergency support team members watched over the equipment and answered questions.

“We deal with gunmen, hazardous search or arrest warrants, hostage situations, man-tracking and dignitary protection,” Bonovetz said.

Members of the emergency support team train with the equipment a few times a month, said Bonovetz, and have monthly qualifications.

The open house was planned collectively by the post for the purpose of showing the community who the Michigan State Police are and to meet them, said Trooper Andy Rigling, district recruiter.

“It’s a good chance for a 1-on-1 and for kids to learn not to be afraid of the police,” Rigling said.

Attending the event were Paul Hytinen and his granddaughter from Ishpeming. They were travelling along the highway, saw the gathering and decided to stop in, Hytinen said.

“Our tax dollars are well at work,” Hytinen said. “The police are well-equipped and very professional.”

Jeff Maki can be contacted at 906-228-2500, ext. 254.