(Editor’s Note: The following article was sequestered from the Wright County website).

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office would like to congratulate Deputy Michael Loomis and his K-9 partner Grizz for completing their K-9 certifications in Narcotics Detection, Tracking, and General Patrol duties. 

The K-9 certification school hosted by Performance Kennels was held at the Sheriff’s Office and included handlers and K-9s from seven other agencies throughout Minnesota and Iowa. Their training started in March and they officially graduated June 4. 

Deputy Loomis has been with the Sheriff’s Office for approximately four and a half years. Along with his current role as a K-9 handler, Deputy Loomis has also worked on patrol, as an emergency response team member, and as a firearms instructor with the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Loomis is also a Wright County Sheriff’s Office Explorer advisor. 

Deputy Grizz was purchased by the Sheriff’s Office in February 2021 and not only works with Deputy Loomis on a daily basis but also lives with Deputy Loomis and his family. The bond between the handler and the K-9 is extremely important and Deputy Loomis and Grizz have shown they have a strong bond and a strong work ethic. Deputy Loomis and Grizz will now be working patrol shifts during the overnight hours and be available for call outs as needed. 

Grizz is replacing recently retired K-9 Vader who is now enjoying his retirement with his handler Deputy Joshua Tester.