OZ Lifting Doubles Annual Support for Police K9 Program

OZ Lifting Products has expanded its K9 Guardian Program, increasing its annual commitment from one to two police dogs for law enforcement agencies.

The Winona, Minnesota-based manufacturer of industrial lifting equipment announced the change during a July 1 presentation recognizing the Arcadia Police Department in Wisconsin as the latest recipient of the program. Beginning immediately, the initiative will include both spring and fall donations.

The program launched in 2024 with the placement of Ozkar at the City of New Hampton Police Department in Iowa. Additional dogs funded through the initiative include Ozlo for the Pleasant Hill Police Department in Iowa and Ozzy for the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin. Arcadia Police Department will receive the next dog, Ozcar.

OZ Lifting partners with the Code Blue K9 Program, led by former law enforcement officer Trace Erickson, who oversees 12-week United States Police Canine Association training courses. According to the company, training also utilizes an outbuilding at OZ Lifting's 40,000-square-foot facility. Dogs funded by the company receive names that include "OZ."

"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," said Steve Napieralski, president of OZ Lifting.

Law enforcement agencies interested in participating can submit a letter of request to Code Blue K9 or OZ Lifting outlining the needs of their department and community. The program is intended to help agencies that otherwise may not have the financial resources to purchase and train a police dog.

"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," said Mitchell Zastrow of the Arcadia Police Department.

Napieralski said the initiative reflects the company's values and the importance of police K9 units in supporting public safety.

"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."