Police Appeal to Public with Urgent Question About Dog

Royal Oak Police Officer Michael Stajich is headed to Indiana next week to pick out a canine partner for K-9 Officer Ryker, who has been working with police officers since 2012. (Screenshot via YouTube)

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A southeast Michigan police department is in desperate need of the public’s help to resolve a vitally important matter: Naming the city’s next police dog.

The Royal Oak Police Department is appealing on social media in a “name that K-9” contest, and has already gotten dozens of suggestions on the city’s Facebook page – including Romi, as in ROMI, the commonly used acronym for Royal Oak, MI.

Naming the new canine copper is a bit tricky.

The new recruit isn’t in town yet. Like expectant parents who don’t know their baby’s gender or what he or she will look like, police haven’t a clue about which dog will come home to Royal Oak from the Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana.

Officer Michael Stajich is traveling there June 3 to make the selection and train the new canine officer, who will join K-9 Officer Ryker on the on the drug, missing persons and other beats especially suited for police dogs’ keen olfactory senses.

Judy Davids, community engagement specialist for the city of Royal Oak, told The Daily Tribune involving the public helps police strengthen community relationships, become more engaged and be seen as more approachable.

K-9 Ryker was just 18 months old when he joined the ROPD in 2012. Ryker replaced K-9 Charlie, who retired after 7 years of service.

TELL US: Sight unseen, what do you think the new canine officer should be named?

Some of the other names suggested on Facebook include Mitch or Staj, after Officer Stajich; Kevlar, after the body armour worn by police and military personnel; an Woodward, after the north-south state trunkline that goes through Detroit, Royal Oak and several other suburbs.

And then there’s the Facebook friend who suggested LEO – Law Enforcement Officer – and punctuated the suggestion with a “wink” emoticon. Another post, this one with a smiley face emoticon, suggested Justice. Romi got some competition from Royal, Oakie and Royal Oakie.

For inspiration to come up with just the right name for the new canine officer, watch this YouTube video of K-9 Ryker in action. Ryker means “fast strider” in Dutch.

Here’s the city of Royal Oak Facebook post with more suggestions.