Small town in Minnesota welcomes first K-9 officer to police department

ADRIAN, M.N. (Dakota News Now) – Earlier this year, the police department in Adrian, Minnesota, welcomed a new four-legged friend to their police force.

Police officer Ashley Kane said that seeing the growing concern about the opioid crisis in the country inspired her to find a K-9 to aid in drug detection. After spending some time fundraising, in comes Ghost — a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois — and better yet, she was free.

The pair began working together at the end of January. Officer Kane explained that they’re currently training her with the help of a retired Army K-9 officer. Once a week, they go over lessons involving narcotics and bite work. Kane said the next task is search and rescue, with the overall goal of making Ghost a dual-purpose dog.

Officer Kane has found that most of the training is for her instead of Ghost and said, “How we are with each other, how I can handle everything like that with her. She’s a natural. She’s just picking up on it.”

Training will continue this summer for Ghost, and since the police department doesn’t receive city funding for her, it falls on them to cover the cost. However, Officer Kane said the community has pulled together to help Ghost out.

“I’ve sold t-shirts and sweatshirts. We just did a fundraiser a month ago, and without the community, this wouldn’t happen,” said Officer Kane.

Once Ghost is well trained, Officer Kane said she’ll tag along for events like D.A.R.E and community nights out. Not only does Kane want to see this new program continue to grow in Adrian, but she also looks to inspire other small towns like it.

Fundraisers are ongoing to be able to help fund Ghost’s summer training this year in Omaha, as well as to get the police department a brand new squad car that’ll best accommodate a canine.

For more information on how you can help Ghost and the Adrian Police Department, click here.

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