Operation K-9 helps to build ties between community and law enforcement

The Northland K-9 Foundation hosted its ninth annual Operation K-9 event at UWS today.

The events aim is mostly to help educate the public, answer any questions in an environment that is welcoming. Hermantown Chief of Police Jim Crace says, “in the last three years, we’ve gotten a little bit of a black eye as a profession. Events like this are huge and and personalize us, letting us have outreach with the communities that we serve. Making sure people know that we’re people as well, and we’re just part of our communities.

Community members were able to pet the dogs, talk with officers and enjoy a beautiful evening. Demonstrations that K-9 units performed were sniffing out explosives and attacking people who may try to flee officers. Other activities that people could enjoy were a silent auction, food trucks and bouncy houses for the kids.

Jessica Lord notes that a lot of the kids are friends because their families are apart of the same force or they know each other from school, it’s just cool, she says.

Proceeds from the event will go to the five agencies that make up the Northland K-9 Foundation. Those include the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s office, the Hermantown Police Department, Duluth Police Department and the Superior Police Department.

If you were not able to make it to the event, and would like to donate, click here.