OZ Lifting Delivers Second Funded Police Dog

Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC has delivered the second police dog from its new funding initiative to the Code Blue K9 program — in time for this year’s GivingTuesday on December 2.

The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment is committed to funding training for a new police dog every year. Having placed a dog, named ‘Ozkar’, at the City of New Hampton Police Department in 2024, the Pleasant Hill Police Department, also in Iowa, will become the latest recipient of a fully trained animal.

Trainees and officers from across the Midwest travel to OZ Lifting Products’ facility in Winona, MN to complete Code Blue training courses in the OZ outbuilding.

When Shawn Hoffman, a Pleasant Hill Officer, takes delivery of the dog, it will be trained in narcotics detection; patrol work; building and article search; tracking; criminal apprehension; and vehicle searches. Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, leads 13-week training programs — even utilizing an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting’s new 40,000 square-foot facility.

Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, leads 13-week training programs — even utilizing an out-building on the property of OZ Lifting’s new 40,000 square-foot facility.

Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “I know Trace through our local YMCA. He has a training center where he lives, but utilizes several different buildings in the Winona area, including our place of work. 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 was another way to give back to the community.”

The first dog to complete the program, ‘OZkar’, is handled by Chief Conrad Rosendahl, of the New Hampton Police Dept., Iowa.

The Midwest faces ongoing challenges related to narcotics. Police K9 units are vital in combating these issues, providing efficient and effective drug detection, while enhancing community safety. The successful introduction of a dog to the City of New Hampton Police Department is further evidence of the value of the Code Blue K9 program — and ongoing funding.

If there is a police department in another city looking for a dog, they are invited to send a written request outlining how they will use the animal in their community. If multiple departments are looking, a decision will be made on which one gets the next dog to be trained.

This is ‘OZkar’, OZ’s first K9, gifted in 2024. He graduated the 2025 K9 training program this year.

Napieralski added: “We are always accepting applications; they can either go directly to Trace or mark inquiries for my attention. Trace’s classes fill up fast — because of his expertise, his programs are always in high demand. It’s no surprise that Trace won a special award with one of his K9s, while he was still in law enforcement.”

As part of the agreement, OZ Lifting-funded dogs that pass through Erickson’s program will have ‘OZ’ somewhere in their name, as is the case with ‘OZkar’, at the City of New Hampton Police Department.

Steve and Jane Napieralski, of OZ Lifting Products, present Chief Pizzano and Lt. Grimes from the Pleasant Hill Police Department with a $12,000 donation for the acquisition and training of a specially imported K9. Trace Erickson, of Code Blue K9, is far right. This dog will be trained in the 2026 course.

A serial philanthropist, OZ has also donated to 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 Code Blue K9 programs, should contact OZ Lifting for details.

• GivingTuesday, referred to as #GivingTuesday on social media, is always the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the U.S.