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 (August 26, 1994) in the history of the St. Paul Police Department (the "SPPD") when officer Timothy Jones and his canine 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 K-9 Foundation is undertaking the replacement of the kennel facilities located at the Timothy Jones Training Facility (named in remembrance of Officer Jones).  It will provide a state-of-the-art kennel facility and additional training space.

The kennel facilities will be of benefit to the handlers and dogs in the SPPD K-9 Unit as well as to handlers and dogs from other law enforcement agencies that participate in the training programs of the SPPD K-9 Unit.  In addition, the facilities will provide better conditions for police service dogs who board at the facility when their handler is unable to keep and care for their dog.