Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC has expanded its K9 Guardian Program by committing to fund a second police dog every year, as Arcadia Police Department, Wisconsin became the latest beneficiary at a check presentation last week (July 1).

Image caption: Steve and Jane Napieralski, either side of Arcadia’s Mitchell Zastrow; Trace Erickson is far right.

The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment had committed to funding training for a new police dog every year but based on the positive impact the program has had on local communities, this will be expanded with immediate effect to cover Spring and Fall donations.

Having first placed a dog, named Ozkar, at the City of New Hampton Police Department in 2024, the Pleasant Hill Police Department, also in Iowa, was the next recipient of a fully trained animal, Ozlo. This year, Ozzy was welcomed by the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin, before the first Fall program will result in a fourth dog, Ozcar, bound for Arcadia.

The K9 Guardian Program is aligned with the Code Blue K9 Program, led by Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer. Erickson oversees 12-week United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) training courses, even utilizing an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting’s 40,000 square-foot facility. As part of the agreement, OZ Lifting-funded dogs that pass through Erickson’s program will have ‘OZ’ somewhere in their name, as demonstrated by successful graduates, Ozkar, Ozlo and Ozzy.

Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “We’ve seen firsthand the need for these units and the difference they make in their communities, and it continues a family legacy in that my father served as a police officer in Chicago; and my wife, Jane’s father was a Winona firefighter. Expanding the program was a natural next step; we’re excited to continue growing this initiative and to support even more K9 teams doing critical work in the field. It also reflects the company’s commitment to giving back to communities throughout the Midwest.”

Letter of request

As the Guardian Program expands, law enforcement agencies have been reminded that they can submit a letter of request to Code Blue K9 or OZ Lifting Products, explaining the requirements of their department and community. Applications are reviewed based on likely impact, agency needs, and the additional benefits a K9 unit would provide. The goal is to help agencies that may not otherwise have the budget to acquire and train a police dog.

Ozzy, for example, a German shorthair pointer, is a non-biting K9 and specializes in detection and patrol support. Erickson built the program around drug detection in addition to search and rescue. Chief Nic Scholl and future K9 officer, Mitchell Zastrow, at Arcadia, meanwhile, pointed to budget constraints and the retirement of an existing dog as a case study of the impact these animals have on the community. ‘A new police K9 would significantly enhance our ability to protect our citizens, assist in searches, support school safety initiatives, and respond more effectively to high-risk situations,’ they wrote.

Zastrow added: “It’s exciting to become a first-time K9 handler. Ozcar will be a valuable member of the team, delivering full patrol duties, covering drugs, apprehension and tracking.”

Napieralski said: “The program aligns with OZ’s core values of reliability, trust, safety, service, and community involvement, while many employees are dog owners, creating a personal connection to the mission.

“Police K9s provide valuable public safety services that extend well beyond criminal apprehension. Depending on the agency’s needs, K9 teams may assist with tracking missing children, elderly individuals, and people with special needs; search and rescue operations; evidence recovery; community outreach and public engagement; and much more. The specialist units often allow situations to be resolved more safely for officers, suspects, and the public. Their presence alone can de-escalate situations and encourage compliance before force becomes necessary.”

A serial philanthropist, OZ has also donated to the American Legion, Big Brothers Big Sisters,

Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, National Child Safety Council, and YMCA.

It also supports local youth sports, schools, and organizations such as the Rotary Club.