K-9 teams are top dogs

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News Releases
K-9 teams are top dogs


A combined K-9 team from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Minnesota Department of Corrections recently took top honors at the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) regional field trials in Hutchinson.

The K-9s scored highest in the team categories of agility, obedience, article recovery, suspect search, criminal apprehension and criminal apprehension with a gun. The competition included 75 canine units from Minnesota and Wisconsin.

“For four dogs from two state agencies to take top honors in the team category says great things about both K-9 programs,” said K-9 Conservation Officer Travis Muyres of Ham Lake.

Muyres, and his K-9 partner Hunter, were joined by Conservation Officer Todd Kanieski of Osseo and Saber, Corrections Canine Officer Rick Jennings, and Corrections Canine Officer Mike Langerman. Jennings and Langerman work at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Lino Lakes.

According to DNR Enforcement Director Col. Jim Konrad, “The hard work and outstanding performance of DNR officers Muyres and Kanieski and their K-9 partners, as well as the Corrections canine officers, reflect positively on both agencies. I commend them.”

K-9 units expand the DNR’s enforcement capabilities, noted Konrad. “They play a vital role in our agency’s enforcement efforts.”

The DNR K-9 team now moves on to national competition in Des Moines, Iowa, on Sept. 28.

Photo of the DNR K-9 teams is available online.

PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) CO Travis Muyres, CCO Mike Langerman, CCO Rick Jennings, CO Todd Kanieski recently took top honors in the team category at the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) regional field trials in Hutchinson, Minn.

[dakids]

My father was a judge at this event and he said the competition was pretty good with A LOT of really good teams.  He said that the teams are getting better every year since he retired from the force.  I think he really misses competing himself the most.