The Duluth Police Department has expanded its K9 Division with a new four-legged officer, K9 Fitz, as reported by a recent announcement. Officer Shane McKee, a six-year veteran of the Duluth Police, and his canine partner graduated from K9 School on May 22 and have already embarked on their watch over the community.
Imparting a storied name, Fitz draws his moniker from the fabled ship Edmund Fitzgerald, a testament to local lore and the tradition of strength; K9 Fitz is set to uphold such a legacy in his service. At only 1.5 years old, the German Shepherd/Malinois mix hails from Hungary and is proficient in a suite of policing skills, including narcotic detection, tracking, criminal apprehension, and article searching, as noted in the Duluth Police Department.
Officer McKee, now a member of the Tactical Response Team, is embracing his role as a K9 Handler, "I look forward to the continued training with Fitz and assisting the community, and my partners, to ensure we provide the best possible service to our community," he told the Duluth Police Department. This partnership is a new chapter in McKee's law enforcement saga, which spans nine years in total, a testament to his continued commitment to public safety and skillful policing.
As the duo hit the streets following their May 26 inauguration to active duty, the Duluth community can look forward to a heightened sense of security and the benefits of a specialized K9 unit in their corner against crime and K9 Fitz along with Officer McKee stand ready to assist and protect, living up to the lineage of the noble ship from which Fitz got his name.
