Minnesota-based specialist materials handling equipment manufacturer Oz Lifting has moved forward its commitment to funding a new police dog every year for the US Mid-West region, with training now underway for the fourth dog to be supported by the business.

Under its K9 Guardian Program, Oz Lifting has already funded the placement of Ozkar and Ozlo with law enforcement Iowa as well as Ozzy in Buffalo. It has now committed to funding for Ozcar, who is bound for Arcadia.

The K9 Guardian Program is aligned with the Code Blue K9 Program, led by Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, who oversees 12-week United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) training courses.

As part of his training courses, Erickson makes use of an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting’s 40,000 sqft. (3,700 sqm) facility. 

Under the program, all dogs graduating who have been funded by Oz Lifting, have Oz in their name.

Steve Napieralski, president at Oz Lifting, says: “We’ve seen first-hand the need for these units and the difference they make in their communities and it continues a family legacy in that my father served as a police officer in Chicago; and my wife Jane’s father was a Winona firefighter”. 

“Police K9s provide valuable public safety services that extend well beyond criminal apprehension. Depending on the agency’s needs, K9 teams may assist with tracking missing children, elderly individuals, and people with special needs; search and rescue operations; evidence recovery; community outreach and public engagement; and much more.

“Expanding the K9 program was a natural next step. We’re excited to continue growing our initiative and to support even more K9 teams doing critical work in the field.”

Law enforcement agencies are able to apply to the K9 Guardian Program by submitting a letter of request to Oz Lifting or Code Blue K9.