OZ Lifting Expands K9 Guardian Program to Fund Two Police Dogs Annually

July 7, 2026 - OZ Lifting Products has expanded its K9 Guardian Program and will now fund the training of two police dogs each year, doubling its previous commitment of supporting one K9 annually.

The Winona, Minnesota-based manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment announced the expansion during a July 1 check presentation recognizing the Arcadia Police Department in Wisconsin as the latest recipient of the program. Going forward, the company will support both spring and fall donations.

The K9 Guardian Program began in 2024 when OZ Lifting funded Ozkar, a police dog assigned to the City of New Hampton Police Department in Iowa. The program later provided Ozlo to the Pleasant Hill Police Department in Iowa and Ozzy to the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office in Wisconsin. Arcadia Police Department will receive the fourth dog, Ozcar, through the program's first fall donation.

The initiative operates in partnership with the Code Blue K9 Program, led by former law enforcement officer Trace Erickson. Erickson oversees 12-week United States Police Canine Association training courses, including training conducted in an outbuilding at OZ Lifting's 40,000-square-foot facility. Dogs funded through the program receive names that include "OZ."

"We've seen firsthand the need for these units and the difference they make in their communities, and it continues a family legacy in that my father served as a police officer in Chicago; and my wife, Jane's father was a Winona firefighter. Expanding the program was a natural next step; we're excited to continue growing this initiative and to support even more K9 teams doing critical work in the field. It also reflects the company's commitment to giving back to communities throughout the Midwest," said Steve Napieralski, president of OZ Lifting.

As part of the expanded program, law enforcement agencies can submit letters of request to Code Blue K9 or OZ Lifting describing their department's needs. Applications are evaluated based on community impact, agency requirements and the benefits a K9 unit could provide, with an emphasis on assisting departments that may not have funding to acquire and train a police dog.

Arcadia Police Chief Nic Scholl and future K9 handler Mitchell Zastrow cited budget limitations and the retirement of an existing K9 in their application for the program.

"It's exciting to become a first-time K9 handler. Ozcar will be a valuable member of the team, delivering full patrol duties, covering drugs, apprehension and tracking," Zastrow said.

Napieralski also highlighted the broader role police K9s can play in public safety.

"The program aligns with OZ's core values of reliability, trust, safety, service and community involvement, while many employees are dog owners, creating a personal connection to the mission.

"Police K9s provide valuable public safety services that extend well beyond criminal apprehension. Depending on the agency's needs, K9 teams may assist with tracking missing children, elderly individuals and people with special needs; search and rescue operations; evidence recovery; community outreach and public engagement; and much more. The specialist units often allow situations to be resolved more safely for officers, suspects and the public. Their presence alone can de-escalate situations and encourage compliance before force becomes necessary."