The K-9 Foundation would like to acknowledge the K-9 handlers and their canine partners who have provided many years of great service to the Ramsey County Canine Unit.

Joe Ptaszek and Guido

Guido retired from the K-9 Unit on 7-8-06 after seven years of service, he is 9 years old. Joe Ptaszek has been with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department for twenty years. He is married with three children. One son is a Military Police Officer in the United States Army. Joe's hobbies include collecting antiques and fishing. He is a great sports fan, particularly school and pro-hockey teams. The funds to train Guido were donated by the Steven Family in memory of their son.

Greg Engfer and Scout

Scout retired from the K-9 unit on 6-30-06. Scout served from March 1998 to June 2006--just over 8 years and he was 10 years old at retirement. Greg received a Law Enforcement degree in 1977. He was hired as a Ramsey County Deputy Sheriff in 1981 and worked in the jail. In 1987 he was transferred to Patrol. A father of two, he is devoted to serving the public, traffic safety and enforcement, crime prevention, and training. His K-9 partner Scout, was donated and began service in 1998 at the age of two. Greg's hobbies include: horses, motorcycling, and barbershop singing.

Update: Scout passed away Sept. 30th, 2007 due to a sudden illness and will be fondly missed.

Dan Loots and Hunter

Dan has been with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department since 1988. He started working in the jail and then moved to the courts. In March of 2002 he finished training to be an Explosive Detection K-9 Handler. He is the first in Ramsey County and remains working in the Courts Division. Dan and his partner have successfully located several explosives and handguns already. They work all over the state because of their unique ability. Dan has been on the SERT team for seven years and loves anything that gets him outside. Hunter is Dan's K-9 partner, but was his personal hunting dog first. He is a two-year old Yellow Labrador Retriever, weighs 75 pounds and loves his new job.

Ron Knafla and Ranger

Ron has worked for the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office since 1988. Both his father and grandfather worked there as well. Ron is currently assigned to the Patrol Division with his K-9 partner, Ranger. He is also a K-9 Trainer and member of the Sheriff's Emergency Response Team. His hobbies are softball, bowling, traveling, and SCUBA diving. Ranger is an eight-year old German Shepherd. He is certified as a patrol dog, a narcotics detection dog, and a tracking dog. Ranger has been Ron's partner since 1999.

Terry Soukkala and Chase (not pictured)

Terry has been a member of the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department for fourteen years. He has worked in Detention, Courts, and Patrol Divisions. Terry and his partner, Chase are currently assigned to Criminal Apprehension. Terry was also on the Sheriff's Emergency Response Team for approximately nine years.

Darcy Ludwig and Jesse

Ginger Kell and Timber

Ken Splittstoeser and King

Joe Lopez and Fritz

Bob Kell and Max

Bob Pavlak and Roscoe and Donner

Marlow Schultz and Rolfe and Ranger

Mike Cook and Reggie and Ringo

Jim Little and Sarge

Jack Miller and Jason

Bruce Rossini and Tucker and Max

Pete Eastman and Sam

Tom Campbell and Bandit

Mike Hankee and Jenny

Ed Whitledge and Buddy and Duke