Waite Park Welcomes New K9 Officer

(KNSI) – The Waite Park Police Department has welcomed its newest furry four-legged officer. Bosco arrived at the department on March 28th. The pure-bred German Shepherd was greeted by his handler, Officer Andrew Lehmkuhl, when he came from Europe.

Lehmkuhl and Bosco will be partners and have started their 15 week training. Bosco will learn how to help arrest violent criminals, track suspects, locate drugs, and engage the community. Once training is completed, Bosco will be ready for duty.

The Waite Park Police Department would like to thank all the community partners who have supported and contributed to the Paws for Laws fundraiser.

WPPD started getting the ball rolling on a new K9 after the department received a $7,500 grant through the AKC Reunite Adopt a K9 Cop program. Thanks to grant funding, private donations, and community organizations, the department has raised more than $27,000 for the K9 program. Officials say the K9 officer will cost around $70,000.

Waite Park had a long history of having a K9 unit, but due to the retirement of its handler in 2019, the WPPD K9 was given to the St. Cloud Police Department because they had an experienced handler without a K9 partner.

___