Recently, K9 Durman and his handler, Deputy Bruce, assisted the Detroit Lakes Police Department during a high-stakes situation involving a felony warrant. When two suspects fled a residence, K9 Durman and Deputy Bruce quickly sprang into action, tracking the individuals through a backyard and along a local business. Durman’s instincts led them into a swamp, where water reached up to Deputy Bruce’s knees. About 20 yards in, the suspects were found lying in the swamp, hidden among tall cattails. Thanks to Durman’s sharp tracking skills, both were taken into custody without further incident. This is a perfect example of the teamwork and dedication that our K9 units bring to every operation.
In another recent operation, K9 Rex and his handler, Deputy Winter, demonstrated their exceptional skills during a burglary investigation. Responding to assist another deputy, they learned the suspect had stolen a four-wheeler. While the suspect was apprehended, the keys to the stolen vehicle were missing. K9 Rex was deployed for an article search and, after combing through long grass in a ditch, successfully located the keys about 35 yards away from the four-wheeler. The keys and vehicle were promptly returned to their rightful owner, showcasing another instance of our K9 teams’ invaluable assistance.
We also want to take a moment to honor K9 Cooper, who retired on December 31, 2023, after eight years of outstanding service. Partnered with Deputy Bouchie, K9 Cooper was involved in approximately 85 deployments and contributed to placing 75 individuals in custody. Cooper’s dedication and exceptional service will always be remembered. We wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement!