St Paul Police K-9 Foundation

The St. Paul Police K-9 Foundation (the "K-9 Foundation") came into existence as a result of one of the most difficult days in the history of the St. Paul Police Department (the "SPPD") when officer Timothy Jones and his canine service dog partner Laser were both shot and killed while conducting a search for an individual who had shot and killed another SPPD officer earlier that day.  From this tragedy, the K-9 Foundation was organized to provide financial and other  support to the SPPD K-9 Unit, which is recognized as one of the top canine units in the nation.

The K-9 Foundation uses the funds it raises to pay the costs of acquiring the police service dogs who, together with their handler participate in a three and one-half month training course.  Additionally, the K-9 Foundation provides funding for the SPPD K-9 Unit to acquire equipment and materials that are covered by the SPPD budget.

The dog, while property of the SPPD, lives with the handler and thus the K-9 Foundation will fund the cost of acquisition of kennels and dog houses to be located at the handler's home.  Upon retiring from active service, the handler often adopts their dog and assumes responsibility for payment of costs.  The K-9 Foundation has covered veterinary and other care expenses for retired police service dogs.

The final care provided by the K-9 Foundation is the place of honor for the dog at the St. Paul Police Dog Cemetery located at the Timothy Jones Training Facility so the remains of the dog may be near the next generation of police service dogs preparing to keep the areas they will patrol as safe as possible.