St. Croix Falls Police Department Introduces K-9 Officer Ikar

Press Release

Introducing K-9 Officer IKAR

The St. Croix Falls Police Department is excited to introduce “Ikar” to the public. Ikar is an energetic two-year-old male German Shepherd from the Czech Republic. He has been partnered with St. Croix Falls Police Officer Patrick Mariakis, who has spent the last 3-weeks developing a tighter relationship with Ikar while participating in a 12-week K-9 training program.

K-9 Officer Ikar will be utilized for narcotics, criminal apprehension, officer safety calls, search and rescue, and tracking. Ikar will be a great asset to the police department, citizens, and the surrounding communities near St. Croix Falls.

The St. Croix Falls Police Department has committed to raising all of the necessary funds for the K-9 program without creating a burden on taxpayers. All funds to date have been raised through the generosity of donors like you, though the St. Croix Fall Police K-9 Association, some grants, and special gifts.

We invite you to help us continue to raise funds with a financial contribution.

Invitation to Help!

The St. Croix Falls Police Department has secured a police SUV that will be outfitted for a K-9 Officer. The items still needed for the vehicle includes a 2 section rear seat cage, which will allow for Ikar to have his own protected space, while still allowing space for a prisoner. The cost of the partition is $2600.

The vehicle will be equipped with a heat sensor system that automatically engages a fan to keep Ikar cool during hot days. The cost of the heat sensor system is $500.

The vehicle requires a “bailout system,” which quickly opens the rear door by remote if the handler requires assistance or if the heat sensor indicates an unsafe temperature. The cost of the bailout system is $300.

Other K-9 specific items are required for the vehicle build. To date, we have raised approximately $40k of the $50k goal. We will continue to raise additional funds that we need to be fully funded.

Consider making a donation today. Also, Ikar will be out meeting the public this summer at events and for pictures. Thank you for your support!

Special thanks to Kirk Anderson for taking photos of Officer Mariakis and K-9 Ikar.