All bark and plenty of bite; K9 units shine at trials

Worthington Police Officers Randy Liepold and Laika (left) and Brett Wiltrout and Thor (right) pose with Worthington Police Sgt. Jason Beckmann. Both K9 units did exceptionally well at the recent patrol dog certification trials.

It was a day of firsts. A first appearance, a first rookie award and a first-place trophy.

Two K9 units from the Worthington Police Department and one from the Nobles County Sheriff’s Office attended U.S. Police Canine Association (USPCA) patrol dog certification trials July 19-20 and were pleased with their results. All three teams were certified and all three teams qualified for national trials.

Certifying the dogs yearly is a policy for both law enforcement entities and ensures proper documentation in case the dogs’ efforts are ever argued in court. Competing for scores and trophies is just for fun, but keeps handlers and dogs sharp.

There is a saying in the K9 world: “You get the dog you deserve.”

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