Hibbing Police Department’s Office Sydney Haugan and K9 Officer Gunner graduated from McDonough K9 School on Friday after an intensive 15-weeks of training in firearms detection and criminal apprehension.
Gunner, a 1.5-year-old male German Shepherd, Gunner will play a vital role in protecting and serving our community and the region, as he will be the only police K9 trained in these disciplines to reside north of St. Paul.
Chief of Police Steve Estey is proud to welcome the newest K9 officer to the Hibbing Police Department.
“The successful completion of this rigorous training program reflects not only the dedication and discipline of our K9 unit, but also the strength of our commitment to public safety,” he said. “Congratulations to our handler and the entire K9 team on this important milestone.”
This highly trained canine partner will be an invaluable asset in our efforts to protect and serve the Hibbing community. The duo officially hits the streets on July 2.
Haugan and Gunner join HPD’s other K9 unit, Officer Brittany Dillinger and K9 Officer Dottie, who is trained in electronic storage detection.
“Police K9s are a very crucial part of our department and community,” said Estey. “We have seen firsthand how K9 officers not only make our community a safer place, but the positive community outreach it has for our citizens, especially the youth.”
Opportunities to meet the duos will occur this summer, including National Night Out at Bennett Park on Aug. 5 and at the Operation K9 event in Duluth on Aug. 14.
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.
