The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office recently announced current and future additions to their team.

K-9 Lux, a 4-year-old german shepherd, was sworn in on Monday, Mar. 9, by Sheriff Brian Miller. His handler, Deputy Zachary Noble, joined the sheriff's office team in July 2025. Both Noble and Lux previously served in Clare County with numerous narcotics and weapons investigations.

“Lux is trained in narcotics detection, tracking and apprehension, giving deputies an additional tool for criminal investigations and locating suspects,” Sheriff Miller said in a release. “Deputy Noble brings years of experience from both the U.S. Navy Submarine Force and the Clare County Sheriff's Office. Together, he and Lux are committed to serving and protecting the community.

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is also anticipating the arrival of an upcoming K-9 deputy, named Runes. The 10-month-old Belgian malinois is currently being trained in Beeton, Ontario, with the 'Working K-9' organization.

 

^{Image of future K-9 Runes and Dep. Jones (courtesy of Mecosta County Sheriff's Office).}

Runes is expected to relieve K-9 Deputy Zeke, who will be retiring in the future. Deputy Andre Jones will be Runes' handler and is expected to train with him a few weeks before the duo begin work together in November.

“The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is looking forward to the continued success of the two sets of partners that have been established with the work done by Sgt. Charlie Pippin and K-9 Deputy Zeke,” Miller said.

K-9 Zeke began work with the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office in 2019. He succeeded K-9 Callahan, who was handled by Deputy Josh Reed and was the first to work with the office starting in 2013.

_{Photos courtesy of the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.}