Who’s a Good Boy?: Name the Next K9

Thanks to Blue Sky Bookkeeping, Zak’s Auto Service, and Dakota County for their support.

With the retirement of Cecil earlier this year, the West St. Paul Police Department is getting a new K9. And you can name it.

How it works: The West St. Paul Police K9 Foundation is holding a donation drive to name the new dog. By making a donation, you can submit name suggestions. The more you donate, the more names you can submit. The K9 handlers will review the submission and select the new name.

• To enter: Donate through PayPal or Venmo and include your name submission in the comments/memo field. Enter by June 30.
  • $10 donation = One name submission.
  • $25 donation = Three name submissions.
  • $50 donation = Seven name submissions.
  • $100 donation = VIP K9 Supporter Package (10 name submissions, photo with the new K9, K9 Foundation T-shirt, recognition as a founding supporter of our newest K9)

The New Dog

The dog is a registered purebred German shepherd from a breeder in Barchfeld, Germany. He was born on Sept. 26, 2024 and is currently named Johann. Officer Carter Hinderscheid will be the new handler for the dog.

This is the first K9 paid for by the West St. Paul Police K9 Foundation.

June 30, 2026 Update: Meet Valor

Today the West St. Paul Police K9 Foundation announced the name of their newest K9: Valor. They received more than 70 name submissions and raised more than $900.

“The name Valor represents the courage, dedication, and selfless service that our K9s and handlers demonstrate every day while protecting our community. We couldn’t think of a more fitting name for this incredible new partner. We also want to give a HUGE shout out to Jessica Behm for the name!”

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