The Baxter Police Department in Minnesota recently welcomed a familiar K-9 duo back into their ranks as Officer Conner Collette reunited with his K-9 partner Shuri, joining Sergeant Taylor Halverson and his K-9 companion Timber.

The pair, known for their energy and dedication to the job, are set to continue their service to the community, aiding in criminal and drug interdiction efforts.

Collette, a recent transfer from the Nisswa Police Department, was enthusiastic about joining the Baxter Police Department, citing the active pace of work as a motivating factor.

He described his journey, starting with part-time work for Pine River Police Department before transitioning to full-time duty with Nisswa in 2019, where he eagerly embraced the opportunity to work with Shuri.

“I started working boat and water, and I worked there two summers, 2016 and 2018,” Collette told Brainerd Dispatch. “I worked there while I was also working part-time for Pine River Police Department. I started with Pine River in the spring of 2018, then went full-time with them. At the beginning of 2019, I got hired with Nisswa.”

“I jumped at the opportunity to get a K-9 partner,” Collette added.

The acquisition of Shuri in 2021, with Nisswa’s financial support, marked a significant milestone in their partnership, leading to numerous successful deployments for narcotics detection and suspect tracking.

Halverson echoed Collette’s sentiments, noting the excitement and energy exhibited by both K-9s in their work.

“Both dogs are complete balls of energy,” he said, describing their eagerness to assist in various police operations.

He even described Timber as a “hot mess.”

Despite their relentless drive on duty, both officers noted the contrasting demeanor of their K-9 partners at home, where they transform into affectionate companions.

“Let her inside the house, and she’s pretty cuddly and she can be relaxed,” Halverson shared.

The dedication of Timber and Shuri extends beyond their active duty, with both dogs forming a strong bond with their handlers. 

“I can’t go anywhere in the house without her, I can’t get up to go to the bathroom without her,” Collette stated.

Both K-9s undergo continual and rigorous training in tracking, evidence recovery and narcotics detection, with a focus on methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. However, neither dog is trained in apprehension tactics or aggressive operations.

Halverson also discussed the safety measures in place for their K-9 partners and the department’s efforts to ensure the well-being of both dogs.

For example, the department offers specialized kennels equipped with heat alarms and fans to regulate temperature and provide protection in case of emergencies.

“So if the temperature in the squad gets too warm or too cold, or there’s an engine stall, the lights will start flashing, the siren goes off, and then it pages our cell phones, and then the fan turns on as well if it’s too hot,” Halverson said.

“We’re fortunate to have them as part of our team,” Collette remarked, echoing the sentiments of his fellow officers and the community at large.