The Waite Park Police Department started a K9 program in 1986 and has worked with many dogs over the years. Unfortunately, we had to reassign our K9 with another department in May of 2019.
Thankfully, in November 2021, the Waite Park Police Department started the process of fundraising to reinstate the K9 program. We are excited to have a K9 back in Waite Park.
BOSCO - MARCH 2022
Bosco is a pure-bred German Shepard, who flew to MN from Europe. K9 Bosco and his handler, Officer Andrew Lehmkuhl, started a 15 week training program to be certified by the USPCA in March 2022. Once completed they will be trained in the apprehension of violent offenders, tracking of suspects, locating of narcotics and community engagement.
Parker
- reassigned may 2019
Parker is a German Shepherd. He was adopted in January 2016 at the age of 1 year. He worked in Waite Park until May of 2019 when he was assigned to a K9 handler with the St Cloud Police Department.
Kato - Retired January 2016
Kato is a German Shepherd from the Czech Republic. Kato, who is 7 years old, was retired in January 2016. Kato started to have problems with his hip that forced him into retirement. After retirement he will be spending his days, living the good life, in the home of a local police officer.
Dino
- Retired December 2013
Dino began working with the Waite Park Police Dept in October 2007.Dino was born in the Czech Republic and came to Minnesota in 2003. He was trained to locate narcotics, articles, suspects and missing persons. He was a great K9 and loved the police work he did. Dino retired in December 2013. In 2016, Dino became sick and passed away.
Previous Waite Park K9s
Bear
Ranger
Cezar
Toby
Smoke
Bruiser
Lady
Dillon
Bandit
Cody
special recognition
Many of the K9s and their partners have performed dangerous apprehensions, building searches and searches for narcotics. Some of the K9s have been recognized for their outstanding performance at K9 trials on a state or national level.
In 1993, K9 Toby received the Medal of Valor for his performance in apprehending a dangerous felon. His actions helped to keep the officers involved safe.
