Hibbing’s new K-9 officer, has a name
Hibbing's new K-9 Officer, Gunner. (Hibbing Police Department)
Early in March, the Hibbing Police Department announced their newest addition to the department, a one-year-old German Sheppard. They put out a call for help in naming the male K-9. On Friday, the Hibbing Police Department is proud to introduce us to Gunner.
Police Chief Steve Estey said in a press release that they received more than 1,000 names submitted from the public.
“Police K-9s are a very crucial part of our department and community,” Chief Steve Estey said. “We have seen firsthand how K-9 officers not only make our community a safer place, but the positive community outreach it has for our citizens, especially the youth.”
Gunner will begin training with handler Officer Sydney Haugan to help officers in a variety of law enforcement duties including criminal apprehension and firearms/ammunition detection. The department says Gunner and Officer Haugan will attend a three-month certification training program.
Once trained, Gunner will play a vital role in protecting and serving the community and the region. According to the release, he will be the only police K-9 trained in these disciplines to live north of St. Paul.
Estey and Haugan said they are grateful for the participation from residents in helping choose the right name for the department’s newest K-9 partner.
“The name seemed fitting after several community members suggested it. Being the K-9 will be a ‘gun’ detection dog, the name Gunner seemed perfect,” Officer Haugan said. “We look forward to hitting the streets, assisting when we can and strengthening the bond between our department and the community.”
Other popular names were Ranger, Tac, Rusty and Rex. However, Estey says Ranger and Tac were already used by local police K-9s in the area.
The community will have an opportunity to meet the duo this summer.
According to Hibbing Police, Gunner was raised in Germany and previously went by Borisz. His purchase was made possible through funding assistance from the Northland K9 Foundation and the American Kennel Club Reunite.