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The Greenfield Police Department Canine Unit supports the Patrol Division by providing
narcotics detection, evidence searches, tracking and criminal apprehension functions. The unit is currently made up of two Belgian Malinois police dogs, “DJ” handled by
Officer Eric Lindstrom and “Badger” handled by Officer Scott Zienkiewicz.
Captain Jay Johnson is the Canine Unit Commander and oversees all training and recertification of the canines and their handlers.
The Canine Unit was formed in 1992 when a Chocolate Labrador Retriever named "Della" was donated to the department. Southern Police Canine of Spring Hope, North
Carolina then trained Della in narcotics detection. Shortly after returning, Della was used extensively in support of the US Drug Enforcement Administration.
That same year, then Officer Brad Wentlandt began a fund raising drive that collected in excess of $15,000.00
for the purchase of a Patrol/Tracking Canine. Officer Wentlandt had seen first-hand how effective canine
teams could be while assigned as a Military Working Dog Handler for the US Air Force. Donations came from all facets of the community. The Greenfield Jaycees were the lead organization during the fund drive.
In September of 1992, Southern Police Canine supplied the Department with its first Patrol/Tracking Canine; a Belgian Malinois named "Andor" . The ensuing years of the fledgling unit would see the early retirement of
Andor due to a genetic hip disorder. During this time, the department added two new Patrol/Tracking Canines. "Reggie", handled by then Officer Jay Johnson, began service in 1993 while "Lazer", handled by former Officer
John West, began service upon Andor's retirement in 1995.
Della retired, along with her handler, in 2001. In August of 2001, Reggie passed away after being diagnosed
with inoperable cancer. Lazer retired in 2004 due to injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Officer Brian Wallander attended canine training school in May of 2002 and returned with Raider, a patrol
-tracking-narcotics detection canine, currently working early shift, between 4pm and midnight. Raider worked until his retirement in 2010.
Officer Scott Zienkiewicz attended canine training in North Carolina at Southern Police K-9 in 2005 and returned with canine, Badger. They currently work together on the day shift.
Officer Eric Lindstrom attended canine training in 2010 and returned with the department’s newest canine, DJ.
DJ was purchased through a generous donation from the board of Dan Jansen Family Festival and is named after the iconic Olympian from Greenfield.
Donations to the Canine Unit are welcome and always greatly appreciated.
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