Meet Deputy Bullet: Macomb County Sheriff K-9 Officer

Bullet, a 7-year-old German shepherd from the Czech Republic, is a deputy K-9 in the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.

A graduate of the Macomb Community College Police Dog Academy, Bullet is trained in such patrol duties as tracking, apprehension, article searches and handler protection. He also works in narcotics detection.

Bullet lives and works with his handler, Sgt. Phil Neumeyer.

This lean, mean tracking machine's favorite toy is Tickle Me Elmo.

Watch the video to see how Bullet conducts a search for marijuana.

Fast Facts

• The Macomb County Sheriff's Office imports almost all of its would-be K-9s from Europe. This is nothing against American pooches, but the European bloodlines are more fully documented and it is easier to track health issues from generation to generation.
• A dog like Bullet can cost between $3,000 and $6,000. Costs have increased in recent years as the demand has increased with the American government using more canines in combat.
• No taxpayer dollars are used to purchase K-9s. These funds are typically provided by drug forfeiture monies.
• The sheriff's office uses seven K-9s.
• Police dogs work an average of five to seven years, although most of the sheriff's office K-9 units work until they are 8 years old.
• Once a K-9 deputy has retired, his handler can purchase him for $1. 
• The sheriff's office has never lost a dog in action. They wear body armor when on the job.
• An assault on a police dog is a felony.
• The K-9 SUVs used by the sheriff's office are equipped with rear A/C units that remain on when the K-9 is in the vehicle. If the A/C quits for any reason, the vehicle's windows roll down and a fan starts.