The Woodbury Police K9 fund recently gifted the city with a German Shepherd puppy who is to be trained in patrol skills as well as firearms detection. Like many other law enforcement canines, the puppy is a German immigrant. 

Officer Andrew Mattson will be the dog’s handler, so he was given the privilege of naming the 17-month-old pup. Mattson chose the handle ”Viktor” after the Vikings mascot. The cop and canine team have already been working together informally, and Mattson reports that Viktor is a quick learner who is eager to please.

The two of them will soon start the three-month training program at K9 Academy. Initially Viktor will learn routine patrol skills like searching and tracking, but he’s also headed to an advanced training program. 

The Shepherd will be taught to detect hidden firearms as well as ammunition. Detection of spent ammunition is essential in investigating shootings. The department also expects that Viktor will be useful when there are reports of a gun in a school.

Buying and importing specially bred K9s costs many thousands of dollars. The non-profit Woodbury Police K9 Fund relies on donations from individuals and the support of local businesses to be able to provide Woodbury with canine officers.