SUPERIOR, Wis. – Operation K-9 returned to the Northland for its eighth year, presenting the public with a display of police dog talent from around the area.
K-9s and their handlers from five local law enforcement agencies participated: St. Louis, Douglas County, Duluth Police, Superior Police and Hermantown.
“It’s a good time, that’s something dogs like to do. So for them, they are getting the biggest reward out of it. This is what they do day in and day out and to have other people watch and experience what we go through every day is a really nice feeling for us and the dogs,” Duluth Police Department Explosive Detection K-9 handler. says Officer Jeremy O’Connor.
K-9 demonstrations included such acts as drug detection, attention work and tracking.
For Officer Jeremy O’Connor’s partner, Kallie, her specialty is explosive detection work.
“She’s going to look for explosives and she’s going to look that way,” O’Connor said.
In addition to watching demonstrations, attendees also had the opportunity to meet the dogs, bounce on bouncy houses, enjoy freshly cooked food and bid on silent auction items.
“I think it’s vital that the community sees what their jobs are and how important they are. So every dog we have plays a vital role and not only can they see the demonstrations and find out what they do and how they do it, they can also meet the dogs do want to, so that’s another benefit,” he said. O’Connor.
The event is hosted by the Northland K-9 Foundation which supports local law enforcement by purchasing dogs and keeping equipment and training supplies up to date.
If you would like to donate to the fund, you can do so by visiting their website at www.northlandk9.org.
