History
The Fond du Lac Police K-9 Unit was established in May of 1995 after Officer Steve Klein approached former Chief Dan Bord with the K-9 concept. Due to lack of available funding, Officer Klein needed to approach the community for assistance. The Fond du Lac Community responded. In a short time, several businesses and corporations donated over $14,000 to fund the department’s first K-9. K-9 Zeiko and Officer Steve Klein immediately proved their value to the Department and community with a number of finds and apprehensions.
Today FDLPD has four (4) K-9’s in active service:
K-9 Brux (Officer Kyle Hoefer)
In April 2016, Officer Kyle Hoefer was partnered with K-9 Brux, a German Shepherd who was born in the Czech Republic. Brux was brought to the United States through Steinig Tal Kennels in Campbellsport (WI) where Hoefer attended an intensive K-9 handler course under the direction of Larry Filo. Following this course, Officer Hoefer and K-9 Brux began working patrol in the City of Fond du Lac May 10, 2016, and continue to train regularly at Steinig Tal K-9 Police Academy where they also certify each year. K-9 Brux is a certified dual-purpose police dog trained in drug detection, tracking, and protection.
A special thank you to Companion Animal Care for their continued support in donating a large portion of K-9 Brux’s veterinary care and to Cathy at Animal Outfitters for donating all of K-9 Brux’s dog food. Also, thank you to Wisconsin Vest-A-Dog for outfitting K-9 Brux with stab and bullet resistant vest as well as a field medical kit.
K-9 Lex (Officer Charles Beckford)
In August 2020, Officer Charles Beckford was partnered with K-9 Lex, a 1-year old German Shepherd who was born in the Germany. K-9 Lex was brought to the United States through Steinig Tal Kennels in Campbellsport (WI) where Officer Beckford attended an intensive K-9 handler course under the direction of Larry Filo. Following this course, Officer Beckford and K-9 Lex began working patrol in the City of Fond du Lac October 5, 2020, and continue to train regularly at Steinig Tal K-9 Police Academy where they also certify each year. K-9 Lex is a certified dual-purpose police dog trained in drug detection, tracking, and protection.
A special thank you to St Bernard’s Animal Medical Center for their continued support in donating a large portion of K-9 Lex veterinary care and to Cathy at Animal Outfitters for donating all of K-9 Lex dog food. Also, thank you to Wisconsin Vest-A-Dog for outfitting K-9 Lex with stab and bullet resistant vest as well as a field medical kit.
K-9 Gambo (Officer Matt Burr)
In April 2022, Officer Matt Burr was partnered with K-9 Gambo, a 2-year old German Shepherd who was born in Germany. K-9 Gambo was brought to the United States through Steinig Tal Kennels in Campbellsport (WI) where Officer Burr attended an intensive K-9 handler course under the direction of Larry Filo. Following this course, Officer Burr and K-9 Gambo began working patrol in the City of Fond du Lac May 30, 2022, and continue to train regularly at Steinig Tal K-9 Police Academy where they also certify each year. K-9 Gambo is a certified dual-purpose police dog trained in drug detection, tracking, and protection.
A special thank you to St Bernard’s Animal Medical Center for their continued support in donating a large portion of K-9 Gambo veterinary care and to Cathy at Animal Outfitters for donating all of K-9 Gambo dog food. Also, thank you to Wisconsin Vest-A-Dog for outfitting K-9 Lex with stab and bullet resistant vest as well as a field medical kit.
K-9 Jesus (Officer Ben Hardgrove)
In July 2022, Officer Ben Hardgrove was partnered with K-9 Jesus, a 16-month-old German Shepherd who was born in Bulgaria. Following initial training in Hungary, K-9 Jesus was brought to the United States through Jessiffany Canine Services, LLC in Iron Ridge (WI) where Officer Hardgrove attended an intensive K-9 handler course under the direction of Jessie and Tiffany Smith. Following this course, Officer Hardgrove and K-9 Jesus began working patrol in the City of Fond du Lac August 18, 2022, and continue to train regularly at Jessiffany Canine Services, LLC. K-9 Jesus is a dual-purpose police dog trained in drug detection, tracking, and protection.
A special thank you to Companion Animal Care for their continued support in donating a large portion of K-9 Jesus veterinary care and to Cathy at Animal Outfitters for donating all of K-9 Jesus dog food. Also, thank you to Wisconsin Vest-A-Dog for outfitting K-9 Jesus with a bullet resistant vest as well as a field medical kit.
Schedule K-9 Demonstration
Please contact K-9 Unit Supervisor Lieutenant Michael Noble (mnoble@fdl.wi.gov) for further information on how to schedule a K-9 demonstration for your school, club or organization.
Donate
The Fond du Lac Police Department K-9 Unit is donation based and appreciates your support! Please find the QR code below that will direct you to our donation portal if you wish to donate. The Ways to Donate link will instruct you of how to proceed with your donation. If you should have any questions, please contact Administrative Assistant (Chief of Police) Tina Anderson (canderson@fdl.wi.gov) or (920) 322-3706.
