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New Detroit Police boat named in honor of fallen officer Ken 'Shark' Steil

Posted at 3:30 PM, Jul 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-18 15:31:16-04

The Detroit Police Department's Harbormaster unit got a brand new addition to the fleet with a very special name.

The 36-foot Boston Whaler was christened on Wednesday and named "Shark" in honor of fallen Detroit Police Captain Kenneth "Shark" Steil.

During his 20 years in the department, Steil was passionate for the water and also left a mark on the department's underwater recovery team.

Steils widow and other family and friends were there Wednesday to break a ceremonial bottle on the boat.

"Shark" is the department's first new patrol boat of its size and capability since the 1986 purchase of a Monark patrol boat named "Harbormaster Boat #1." It will help provide the department with longevity and sustainability to maintain safe waters.

It will serve as the main patrol boat and utilized by tree-man crews of the Harbormaster, underwater recovery unit and special response teams.

Steil was shot and killed in the line of duty in July 2016.