Remembering Bane: Patrol K-9 and Beloved Friend

February 4, 2022

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Following more than 7 years of service, beloved Michigan State University Police and Public Safety K-9 Bane passed away on Jan. 27 due to a sudden illness. Bane was an explosive detective and patrol K-9, but most importantly, a loved member of the mid-Michigan community.

Bane was often requested for presentations, visits, and book readings at local schools. He loved going to work and interacting with anyone he came in contact with. Bane’s handler, Sgt. Kim Parviainen of the Community Engagement Bureau, says Bane was known for bringing people together.

“People may have misconceptions and strong feelings about police officers, but people love dogs and Bane was the ultimate ice breaker,” said Parviainen. “At community events on campus, I had more people than I can count tell me, ‘I’ve never had a good interaction with a police officer until today’ as they pet Bane. That part of his job was priceless.”

Parviainen also says Bane loved children.

“The memories I have walking into a room full of 30 kiddos and hear the gasps and squeals will always be my favorite. Those days I felt like a superhero,” said Parviainen.

The MSU Police and Public Safety K-9 Unit provides search, detection, and protection services for the department. All K-9s live at home with their handlers for the duration of their career and in retirement, considered full members of the family.

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Contact:

Dana Whyte, Spokesperson, MSU Police and Public Safety

517-282-3711, WhyteD@police.msu.edu