A second K-9 unit will be added to the force in Beltrami County this summer, according to a news release from the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office.
The release states that the cost to add a second K-9 unit is approximately $30,000, which includes purchasing the dog, training for the dog and the deputy who will be its handler, and equipment. Beltrami County invested $16,000 and public contributions were needed to make up the remaining difference.
"We received tremendous support from local businesses and individuals," said Ernie Beitel, a sergeant with the Sheriff's Office. Beitel spearheaded the campaign to educate the public and raise funds for the second K-9 unit.
"The Neilson Foundation gave a $15,000 contribution and Paul Bunyan Telephone donated $4,000 to bring us to the final funds necessary to make the new K-9 a reality," he added.
Sheriff's Deputy Dan Rockensock will be the new K-9 officer and is expected to begin training in late March with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office K-9 Division. His partner will be a German shepherd dog imported from Germany. The training sessions are expected to last 8-10 weeks, so Rockensock and the dog should be on duty in Beltrami County later this summer.
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"Our cooperative serves nearly all of Beltrami County and is committed to supporting emergency service organizations that make our area a safer place to live," said Brian Bissonette, marketing supervisor for Paul Bunyan Telephone, in the news release. "This addition to the sheriff's department will make a direct impact on the safety of our employees and customers and we are proud to help bring a second K-9 unit to Beltrami County."
