Police K-9 Units

The Red Wing Police Department has a long heritage of having police K-9s and is extremely proud of the services the handlers and their K-9 partners have provided for the City of Red Wing. The primary purpose for having police K-9s is to assist their handlers in the location and/or apprehension of criminals and the deterrence of crime.

K-9 Teams

• 1979 to 1983 - Roger Flom and Sundance
• 1983 to 1990 - Roger Flom and Frank
• 1990 to 1991 - Roger Flom and Nick
• 1993 to 1999 - Gene Grave and Gunther
• 1999 to 2006 - Tim Mastrud and Mac
• 2001 to 2003 - Gene Grave and Smokey
• 2007 to 2008 - Brian Metling and Hunter
• 2008 to current Brian Metling and Storm

Becoming a police K-9 handler

Only officers with the below qualifications are considered for the K-9 program:

• Community experience
• Appropriate living arrangements
• Officer’s work ethic

Making the best police K-9s

In the United States, the most common breed of K-9 associated with police patrol work is the German Shepherd. Dogs such as the Beauceron, Belgian Malinois, Doberman pinscher, Giant Schnauzer and the Rottweiler are also used depending on a department’s requirements. Labradors, Beagles and Setters are special purpose dogs used for narcotics and detecting contraband food items.

If a police department is looking for a K-9 with prior training, they look for what is best for their needs. The K-9 should have a steady, calm disposition with good self defense and play/hunting skills, which a lot of the training is based on. Seasonal weather conditions may also be a factor in what breed of dog is used and specifically what the K-9 will be trained in.

Current K-9 Team:  Brian Metling and Storm

Training a police K-9 and their handler

In Red Wing, the K-9s and handlers attend a 12 to13 week training course in which instructors teach the handler how to train the K-9 in obedience, area searches, building searches, handler protection, aggression, agility, tracking and article searches. After the initial training course and certification, the K-9 team normally receives further training in narcotic detection. A yearly certification is required for this.

For more information about police K-9 teams, please visit:

• United States Police Canine Association (USPCA)
• North American Police Work Dog Association