Meet Calo, Maple Grove Police Department’s New K-9
For the first time in over 20 years, Maple Grove has a new K-9 officer. Calo is a Belgian Malinois shepherd mix who just graduated in May.
Handler Keith Stuart says Calo is a great partner and best friend.
“He’s with me 10 hours a day at work. He goes home with me,” said Stuart.
Obedience and Agility Training
Even before Calo officially went on duty, the crime-fighting duo spent a lot of quality time together, training eight to 10 hours per day. Besides obedience training, Calo also went through many agility exercises. He learned how to climb and jump over things.
The patrol officer says Calo makes his job a lot easier by doing certain things faster and safer than he can.
“One of the big things he’s used for is a locating tool. So whether it’s locating drugs, locating a bad guy or locating a lost autistic child,” explained Stuart.
Eighth Largest MN City Needed K-9.
Officials say Calo is a welcome addition to the department. Sergeant Andy Sandberg is in charge of the canine unit. He says before getting Calo, Maple Grove had to use other agencies when they needed a K-9.
“As years went by, from the time we didn’t have him, to now there’s a greater necessity,” said Sandberg.
And while the city benefits from having Calo on the force, his handler says having a furry companion is the absolute best.
Petting Calo’s head, Stuart said “I like having a police officer as it was, but having a dog, can’t get any better than that.”
The total cost to have Calo on the force is about $78,000. That includes a special vehicle to transport the K-9 and training costs.
Calo will go back to school in November for four more weeks of training, where he will be certified in narcotics.
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