The Fond du Lac Police K-9 Unit was established in May of 1995 after Steve Klein approached former Chief Dan Bord with the K-9 concept. Due to lack of available funding, Klein needed to approach the community for assistance. The Fond du Lac Community responded. In a short time several business and corporations donated over $14,000 to fund the first K-9.

K-9 Zeiko and Handler Steve Klein proved their value to the Department and community with a number of finds and apprehensions. Shortly thereafter, the City Council added $10,000 to the police budget to fund a second K-9.

K-9 officers are assigned a 1-on-1 take-home squad car. The team members train on an ongoing basis and recertify yearly. The K-9 Unit also is a support unit to the Department’s crisis response unit. Please contact the Chief’s Administrative Assistant at (920) 322-3706 if you would like to provide a donation for the K-9 unit or for further information on how to schedule a K-9 demonstration for your school, club or organization.

The Fond du Lac Police Department K-9 Unit is donation based and appreciates your support! Please contact the Fond du Lac Police Department if you wish to contribute to our fund.

The Department currently has two K-9’s in active service.

In April 2016, Officer 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 where Hoefer attended an intensive month long K9 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 and continue to train regularly at Steinig Tal Kennels where they also certify each year.

Brux is a certified dual purpose police dog. He is an aggressive alert drug detection dog trained to scratch, bite or bark at the odor of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Brux is also trained to locate and apprehend criminals, track lost or endangered persons and protect his handler.

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 Kathy 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 bulletproof vest as well as a field medical kit.

In August 2020, Officer Beckford was partnered with K-9 Lex , a 1 year old German Shepherd who was born in the Germany. Lex was brought to the United States through Steinig Tal Kennels in Campbellsport where K9 Officer Beckford attended an intensive 5 week long K9 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 Kennels where they also certify each year.

Lex is a certified dual purpose police dog. He is an aggressive alert drug detection dog trained to scratch, bite or bark at the odor of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. Lex is also trained to locate and apprehend criminals, track lost or endangered persons and protect his handler.

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 Kathy 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 bulletproof vest as well as a field medical kit.