In 2013, one man’s love for law enforcement canines became the inspiration for a foundation that would grow to support local police departments across the Northland – that foundation is the Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation.

“So, Al Amatuzio, the late Al Amatuzio from AMSOIL, he had a love for dogs. And prior to the foundation, he funded a lot of these dogs for the agencies. And he wanted to leave a legacy. And so, the foundation began. And we have taken this, and we have grown it. And we now raise money so that we can help when an agency needs a new dog, we help with that funding,” said Robbin Champaigne, president of the Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation.

In the past ten years, the Northland Law Enforcement K-9 Foundation has doubled its outreach and looks to continue growing. In 2024, they welcomed Hibbing, Virginia, and Eveleth Police Departments to the foundation.

“When it began, there were four agencies. In 2017, we were able to add Hermantown. And we’ve stayed pretty stagnant for a while because we added how much we could raise and how much we could give to each agency. This year, we finally felt like we could open up our purse strings, if you will. We felt like we had enough money to give to others. So, it was incredible to be able to welcome the three new agencies to the foundation,” said Champaigne.

And the community’s love and support for these four-legged officers helps to keep the foundation, and our local law enforcement departments, growing strong.

“If it wasn’t for the community, supporting us, supporting these handlers, supporting the agencies, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do and be able to fund these dogs. And these dogs are incredible for what they do for the officers and for the agencies and keeping the community safe. So, we thank them for everything,” said Champaigne.

To donate, go to Make a Donation – Northland K-9 Foundation (northlandk9.org)