A dramatic and emotional rescue unfolded in Geneva Township, Michigan, when a loyal police K-9 named Kuno helped save a missing three-year-old boy. Captured on a police body cam, the moment the child was found safe brought relief and emotion to the search team and the entire community.
On the evening of March 4, authorities were alerted to a terrifying situation: a toddler had wandered away from his home unsupervised. Responding swiftly, South Haven Area Emergency Services coordinated with law enforcement for an urgent search. Among those deployed was Deputy Eric Calhoun and his trained K-9 partner, Kuno.
Upon arriving at the scene, Kuno quickly picked up a small set of footprints near the home’s perimeter. His quick instincts led them to follow a trail through the surrounding area. Only a short distance away, near a pond, the child was found — less than 50 yards from the water’s edge.
Kuno’s Heroic Instincts Lead to Life-Saving Discovery
While Kuno tracked the child’s scent on the ground, other units contributed to the effort by deploying aerial drones to sweep the area from above. The boy was simultaneously located by both Kuno and the drone team, illustrating the power of teamwork in critical situations.
The footage recorded by Deputy Calhoun’s body cam captured the emotional moment it all came together. As they neared the waterline, the officers spotted the boy. Calhoun’s voice called out gently, “Hey buddy,” offering immediate comfort. The child, distressed and calling for his mother, was lifted and reassured by officers who told him he was safe now.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott later shared just how close this call was. According to Abbott, had they arrived even five minutes later, the child could have ended up in one of the nearby ponds with tragic consequences.
Kuno: A Decorated Canine Officer
Kuno is no stranger to heroism. Since beginning his service in 2017, he has played a crucial role in locating five missing children. His contributions have made a lasting impression on families and fellow officers alike. It’s clear that his service goes beyond obedience—it reflects heart, intelligence, and unbreakable loyalty.
Sheriff Abbott emphasized that Kuno’s success is also a reflection of the close bond and hard work shared between him and Deputy Calhoun:
- Deputy Calhoun trains Kuno during his days off, often collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to keep his K-9 companion in peak form.
- The pair maintain top-level readiness for diverse operations, from tracking suspects to finding vulnerable individuals.
- Kuno is being recognized as one of the top-performing police dogs in Michigan, with the potential to become one of the best in the country.
A Life Safe and a Community Reassured
This moving rescue serves as a reminder of the unique role police K-9s play in safeguarding communities. The partnership between human officers and their four-legged counterparts often means the difference between life and tragedy. In this case, it meant a family was spared unimaginable loss, all thanks to Kuno’s intuition, training, and loyalty.
Watch the heartwarming rescue clip via TikTok below:
@dailymail Heartwarming moment missing Michigan toddler is rescued by police dog as 3-year-old was found only wearing a diaper. #fyp #michigan #missingchild #bodycamfootage #heartwarming ♬ original sound – Daily Mail
Kuno’s heroic actions, along with the coordinated efforts of all the teams involved, turned a potentially devastating tragedy into an inspiring moment of courage and compassion. This story stands as yet another shining example of how loyal and capable our canine companions truly are.
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