10th Annual Operation K-9 set for Aug. 1

The annual summer event showcasing the talent and skills of area law enforcement K-9s is back for its 10th year and will feature more K-9s from more agencies than ever before. Operation K-9 will be Thursday, August 1, from 4:30 to 8 p.m., and will feature nearly 20 K-9 teams from eight different law enforcement agencies.

The event is moving to a new location this year—the old UWS track next to Wessman Arena, 2701 Catlin Avenue in Superior.

The K-9s and their partners represent the Duluth, Eveleth, Hermantown, Hibbing, Superior and Virginia Police Departments and the St. Louis County and Douglas County Sheriff’s Offices.

Thanks to the continued generosity of businesses and individuals in the community, the Foundation has expanded in the last year to include all eight law enforcement agencies in St. Louis and Douglas counties that have K-9 programs.

Operation K-9 is presented by the AMSOIL Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation and gives the public a chance to see area K-9 teams in action.

The event is free to attend and features K-9 demonstrations and an opportunity to meet the K-9s from the agencies supported by the Foundation.

There will be law enforcement vehicles and equipment to tour, plus other family-friendly activities.

There will be a silent auction, along with food and beverages and K-9 souvenirs available for purchase, with all proceeds going to the K-9 Foundation to support the K-9 programs of area law enforcement agencies.

“K-9s do amazing work to keep our communities safe. They protect their human partners and help them work more efficiently and effectively” said Robbin Champaigne, president of the K-9 Foundation. “But they’re expensive to purchase and train, and as our agencies are constantly trying to trim costs, we appreciate all the help we can get from the public to support our K-9 programs.”

Law enforcement K-9s in our region in the last year have helped apprehend armed suspects wanted for serious crimes, and sniffed out critical evidence as part of investigations of assaults and drug dealing. They’ve sniffed through entire school buildings after threats have led to evacuations, enabling children and teachers to safely and confidently return to classrooms. And they’ve helped protect their human partners through countless dangerous situations.

The AMSOIL Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation is a registered 501©(3) non-profit. For more information on Operation K-9 or the Foundation, or to make a donation, visit northlandk9.org or facebook.com/northlandk9.