May 17, 2022 (Volume 45, Number 17)
Article by
Michele Coffill
Kelsey Sietsema, GVPD canine and community police officer, and Koda sit in a new cruiser designed for Koda's safety.
Koda has a new police cruiser specifically designed for K-9 dogs.
Kelsey Sietsema, GVPD canine and community police officer, said the inside of the cruiser is outfitted for Koda's safety. Koda, a black Labrador, was trained as an explosives dog and joined the Grand Valley Police Department in June.
Sietsema said instead of a regular back seat, the cruiser was fitted with a K9 transport insert that features a mounted water bowl and window fan. "It's an enclosed area for Koda, for her to sit or lie down while we drive around," Sietsema said. "She jumps right in and out of the cruiser and into her own space."
The car also has a heat alarm system to monitor the temperature inside the car. If the sensors detect it's too hot or cold, the cruiser activates the car's horn and sirens.
"Essentially my cruiser begins to make a lot of noise to get someone’s attention to get Koda," said Sietsema, adding her cell phone and GVPD Dispatch are automatically alerted when the sensor activates.
This article was last edited on May 16, 2022 at 5:32 p.m.
Participants spent 10 weeks in an accelerator program offered by the DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, in partnership with GVSU's Northern Michigan Region.
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July 14, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 19)
Article by
Shannon Owen
The vice president for Enrollment Development and College Futures discusses the successful launch of "The Pathways Project Podcast."
July 14, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 19)
Messages during the keynote presentations and breakout sessions focused on authentic communication and practical ways to tell the GVSU story.
July 14, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 19)
Article by
Michele Coffill
