Ashley Blum, OZ marketing manager, said providing support for first responders is important to the company’s owners Steve and Jane Napieralski.

“Steve’s father served as a police officer in Chicago, and Jane’s father was a firefighter in Winona, so public service has long been part of their family’s story,” said Blum. “They understand the sacrifices these men and women make every day.”

The business recognizes the importance of K9s to these first responders.

“Police K9s are force multipliers, especially for rural or underfunded departments,” Blum stated. “They assist with drug detection, tracking missing people, search and rescue, evidence recovery, and officer safety. Many departments, especially smaller agencies, recognize the value of a K9 program but simply don’t have the budget to purchase and train a dog.”

OZ has donated dogs to the New Hampton and Pleasant Hill police departments in Iowa, and to the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office and the Arcadia Police Department in Wisconsin.

Other entities have also stepped up, like when the Rock Foundation donated funds for one of La Crosse’s K9s, fittingly named Rock.

Sense said Winona’s K9 was purchased with the help of a grant. Grant money also helps with other expenses.

Scholl noted great support in the Arcadia community for the new pup Ozcar.

“The businesses here are very very pro-law enforcement, and we raised the money for the canine faster than I ever expected us to, so that was pretty awesome,” Scholl said.

Donations help cover most of the La Crosse’s K9 expenses, too.

“We are so fortunate. Our community is very supportive. …” Hughes said. “Our program is basically completely funded by donations.”

The department has an annual golf outing to raise funds, which will take place Sept. 14.

McMahon also said donations help cover expenses in Chippewa Falls.