Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC has committed to funding training for a new police dog every year through the Code Blue K9 program. The first one will be delivered to the City of New Hampton Police Department in Iowa next year.
The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment is further supporting the initiative by allowing a dog trainer to utilize an out-building on the property of its new 40,000 square-foot facility. Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, hopes to complete a 13-week training program twice annually in the Spring and Fall.
The announcement chimes with December 3’s #GivingTuesday, which is a global movement that reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. Falling on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it provides an opportunity to highlight impactful initiatives and support meaningful causes — just like the OZ Lifting and Code Blue K9 partnership.
Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “I met Trace at our local YMCA. As he told me, there are many police departments that would love to have a dog on staff but can’t afford the upfront cost. My wife, Jane, and I felt this is a way to give back to a community. If there is a police department in a city looking for a dog, we ask that they send a written request outlining how they will use the animal in their community. If multiple departments are looking, we will select which department gets the dog.”
In a submission from Conrad Rosendahl, a police chief in New Hampton, he outlined how the department lost its dog to another law enforcement body and replacing it would provide additional handler protection and enable officers to patrol a corridor between two cities known for illegal narcotics. The dog will also be trained for search and rescue work related to schools, businesses, walking trails, and parks. Rosendahl also said it would provide immediate back-up for officers who currently spend a lot of time working solo.
Company name
As part of the agreement, OZ Lifting-funded dogs that pass through Erickson’s program will have ‘OZ’ somewhere in their name, for example, ‘Ozzie’, adding to the initiative’s charm and legacy. “This is a way to create a personal connection between the company and the communities it serves, making the program memorable and unique,” said Napieralski.
“Police dogs represent not only a safer alternative in law enforcement but also a bridge between police forces and the public,” he continued. “This initiative aligns with our core values of reliability, trust, and service, both in business and in our community. If a suspect sees a K9 present, they are less likely to use force against an officer or flee — they will safely cooperate. K9s are also the only use of force that can be recalled immediately, causing no harm. If an officer deploys a gun, taser, etc., they cannot stop once the trigger is pulled.”
Napieralski added: “Unfortunately, like many regions, the Midwest faces challenges related to narcotics. Police K9 units are vital in combating these issues, providing efficient and effective drug detection, while enhancing community safety. While New Hampton isn’t in our immediate vicinity, it’s part of the wider region, which we proudly call home. Many of our customers and employees have connections across the Midwest, so it’s still a local investment in the safety and security of our extended community.”
Interestingly, the Napieralskis descend from families of public servants. Steve’s father was a police officer in Chicago, while Jane’s was a firefighter in Winona. Many of OZ Lifting’s 25 full-time staff are dog owners. Napieralski said: “They view their pets as family members. This shared love for dogs makes the K9 donation program especially meaningful for our team.”
The City of New Hampton Police Department and the local community are the latest beneficiaries of the company’s charitable contributions. In 2023, it donated over $10,000 to a variety of local causes, including the American Legion, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and Winona Area Humane Society. It also supports local youth sports, schools, and organizations such as the Rotary Club.
Anyone interested in supporting this or other Code Blue K9 programs, should contact OZ Lifting for details.
- For more information on OZ Lifting Products visit http://www.OZLiftingProducts.com
