Winkler Police Officer, K-9 Unit Founder Honoured

The Manitoba government has recognized Winkler Police officer Cst. Arnie Klassen.

"It was a surprise to me," Klassen says. "It was humbling... there's a lot of police officers out there dedicated to their work."

He was one of 16 police officers in the province presented with the Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards for outstanding contributions to their communities.

Klassen was instrumental in creating the K-9 unit in Winkler.

"It had been a dream for a long time... I wondered whether that would be a possibility in our relatively small police service."

Growing issues with illegal drugs spurred on the development of police dog, Tika. The Belgian Malinois' specialty was drug detection, able to sniff out nine different illegal drugs including meth, cocaine, and heroin. Her most common work was vehicle searches.

Another aspect of his work with Tika was touring schools and public demonstrations. Klassen explains he intentionally met with grade seven classes, "to get to them before they've had exposure to drugs."

While the assignment was his passion, Klassen notes it required plenty of work; he was responsible for Tika 24/7 for seven years, spending overtime hours continually training her.

He says the award validates his dream and work.

Tika retired earlier this year after more than seven years of service. However, the service has since learned the K-9 unit will return to Winkler in early 2019.

The unit is renewed thanks to $87,000 from the Manitoba Government through a criminal property forfeiture fund. The city's next police dog will be considered a dual-purpose dog, able to track suspects and drugs.

Sean O'Brien will be taking over the K-9 Unit in Winkler and says he's looking forward to working together with his canine partner.

Klassen was presented with the honour by Justice Minister Heather Stefanson at last week's Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police Excellence in Policing Awards Dinner.

"The officers receiving awards have all gone above and beyond in their service to Manitobans, they truly represent exemplary policing," says Scott Kolody, president, Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police. "I congratulate the recipients for their hard work, their dedication and for their commitment to the communities they so proudly serve."

The Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards were established by the provincial government to recognize extraordinary efforts by police officers in Manitoba. Award recipients are selected by a committee representing the Brandon Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Winnipeg Police Service and Manitoba Justice.

More than 130 police officers have received this award to recognize their contributions to their communities, police service or the betterment of law enforcement in Manitoba.