Patrol Division
K9 Unit
Police service dogs (K9) are considered an essential asset in today's law enforcement environment. Since the introduction of service dogs into law enforcement in 1907, these dogs have repeatedly shown their value as a cost-effective locating tool.
They assist in deterring criminal activity, in the apprehension of dangerous subjects, and with detection of illegal drugs. K9s generally support all the various law enforcement functions of the Oshkosh Police Department. In addition to drug detection capability, police dogs have also shown their use in having a psychological effect on criminals; in protecting the handler and other officers; and as a favorable asset in police public relations. The K9 teams are often seen doing demonstrations at community events or attending church and school functions. They are also working hard to keep the Oshkosh schools safe and free of drugs.
The Oshkosh Police Department has two K9 Unit teams consisting of Officer Brad Fox and K9 Odin and Officer Cody Rukamp and K9 Fritz. The breeding of German Shepherds in Germany is highly regulated in Germany and only the finest of dogs are selected to be K9s because of the extreme demands required of a Police K9. German Shepherd Odin arrived from Germany and became part of the OPD K9 Unit in early September 2017. Belgian Malinois Fritz arrived from Holland and joined the OPD K9 Unit in early May 2022. K9 Services located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was selected as the training provider for our canines and their handlers. Officer Fox and K9 Odin are assigned to 1st shift Patrol and Officer Rukamp and K9 Fritz are assigned to 3rd shift Patrol.
These teams are certified in narcotics detection for marijuana, crack/cocaine, meth, ecstasy and heroin. They are also certified in building searches, area searches, article/evidence searches, tracking and protection.
The police K9 Program is not only an invaluable resource to the Oshkosh Police Department, it also serves as an effective tool in the protection and safety of our citizens. The Oshkosh Police Department K9 Unit is funded solely through donations from the public. All costs of the program (with the exception of personnel) are paid for through the generosity of individual citizens, groups and local business owners in our community. A federal grant, a private donation and the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation provided for the initial purchase of our canines. A K9 Kare fund was established to receive donations designated for the Police K9 Program. Donations made to the Oshkosh Police Department K9 fund are tax deductible under Section 170 ( c) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code (instrumentality of a governmental unit). If you are interested in contributing to our K9 Program, checks should be made payable to:
Oshkosh Police Department K9 Kare Fund.
Meet the K9's