I&M Foundation Helps Bring K-9 to the St. Joseph Department of Public Safety

A new officer will soon be patrolling the streets of St. Joseph, but this one walks on four legs.

Mufasa, a police K-9, is preparing to join the St. Joseph Department of Public Safety, where he'll work alongside Officer Ryan Streelman to help protect the community. From locating missing individuals to assisting with investigations and emergency response efforts, Mufasa will provide officers with another valuable resource when residents need help most.

The addition of the K-9 team was made possible in part through support from the Indiana Michigan Power Foundation, a partnership focused on a shared goal: helping keep St. Joseph families, neighborhoods and businesses safe.

While many people think of police K-9s tracking suspects, their work often goes far beyond that.

"This K-9 will be an incredible asset for our department and our community," said Ryan Streelman, officer with the St. Joseph Department of Public Safety. "Whether we're helping find a missing child or vulnerable adult, tracking a suspect or supporting an investigation, K-9 teams provide capabilities that can be critical in the moments that matter most. We're grateful for the I&M Foundation's support, which helped make this possible, and excited to begin serving alongside our newest officer."

For Indiana Michigan Power, supporting Mufasa is another way the company invests in the communities it serves. Most people know I&M for the crews who restore power after storms and work around the clock to keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses. But for the company's employees, supporting community safety is just as important.

"At I&M, safety is our highest value, and that commitment extends far beyond keeping the lights on," said Annie Smith, I&M External Affairs manager for the South Bend, Elkhart and southwest Michigan area. "We're not just helping bring a new K-9 to the community. We're helping keep people safe. Many of us live, work and raise our families in this community, so supporting local first responders is personal for us. We're proud to support a program that will make a meaningful difference for residents and first responders alike."

Mufasa and Officer Streelman will begin training next week and are expected to begin serving the community in December.

It's a simple idea: when local organizations work together, communities become stronger. Thanks to this partnership, St. Joseph residents will soon have a new four-legged officer helping keep watch over the community he now calls home.

To see how I&M is partnering with local organizations to strengthen the communities we serve, visit the community section of our website.