Waite Park Police Department Launching Second Paws for Laws Fundraiser

(KNSI) — Following up on a story we brought you last week, the Waite Park Police Department has received grant funding from a national program, but a fundraiser is needed to make up the difference so the handler and partner can be put into service.

The department received $7500 through the AKC Reunite Adopt a K9 Cop program, which now puts $17,200 in the coffers thanks to grant funding, private donations, and community organizations, but the cost of outfitting a K9 team will cost roughly $70,500. According to a press release from the police department, it is unlikely that funding for a new K9 program will be available through the regular department budget, so they’re hoping the community can help out.

Officer Andrew Lehmkuhl has been appointed to serve as the K9 officer handler once the dog, training, and needed equipment are in place. The press release says the department hopes to have the new K9 officer trained and in service in 2022.

The former Waite Park K9 Officer Parker was gifted to the St. Cloud Police Department in 2019 after its human partner retired and St. Cloud police had an experienced handler without a K9 partner. The Waite Park PD has been hoping to reinstate the program ever since.

The press release from the Waite Park Police Department says K9s are an important tool for police departments in the tracking and apprehension of suspects, detecting and locating concealed illegal substances, and are visible deterrents for criminals. K9 officers also serve as community ambassadors at special events, can help track missing persons, and search where humans can’t.

To learn more about Paws for Laws 2.0, contact the City of Waite Park at 320-251-6300.

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