Fundraising $5k to benefit the K9 program

Contributed photo
Deputy Kelby Jensen will embark on a 13-week training program with Otter Tail County’s newest K9 Officer Koa and be on patrol this fall.

The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office announced K9 Koa as the newest addition to their team on Friday, July 19.

K9 Koa is a 2-year-old German Shepherd from the Slovak Republic and will be assigned to his handler, Deputy Kelby Jensen. 

Together they will be attending a 13-week training program and will be certified to work patrol this fall. K9 Koa will be trained in narcotics detection, tracking, article searches, apprehension, obedience and handler protection.  

K9 Koa was brought on to replace K9 Mojo who retired after 9 years this spring. With the support that the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office has been shown from the community, they were able to grow the K9 program. 

In order to help sustain the K9 program into the future, the sheriff’s office is raising money with a goal of $5,000. 

These funds will be used to provide continued training and purchase protective equipment. For more information about the K9 program, contact Deputy Mike Wing by phone at (218) 998-8555 or by email at mwing@ottertailcounty.gov