Hazel Park police K-9 needs help in contest to win new police cruiser

HAZEL PARK, Mich. – A K-9 handler and his partner from Hazel Park are asking for help.

Officer Mike Kasdorf and K-9 Lando have been partners for nearly five years.

"He's my partner," Kasdorf said. "We talk all the time. Well, I talk. I think he listens."

Lando never disagrees with anything Kasdorf has to say, and they both agree it's time for a new ride.

The police vehicle they've been using needs to be replaced, but Hazel Park can't afford it right now.

The vehicle has engine problems and the air conditioning has been working incorrectly, which is a big deal for the team.

"The dog has to stay cool," Kasdorf said. 

Some parts of their vehicle don't work at all, including the wireless system to open the door and the alert to tell Kasdorf if it becomes too hot inside.

Kasdorf entered a national competition through Vested Interest, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide assistance to dogs of law enforcement agencies.

The team is now one of 29 finalists, and they're asking for their community's votes to win a new police SUV with all the K-9 gear. 

Lando deserves it. He's recently captured several suspects and found a missing 2-year-old boy who wandered away and got trapped in a neighbor's garage.

To vote for Kasdorf and Lando, or for more information on Vested Interest, click here.