by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Ben is going to retire after faithfully serving the Benton County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 10 years and his retirement is “well-earned,” according to Sheriff Troy Heck.
Ben is a German shepherd police dog. His companion in law enforcement is Benton County Deputy Brad Kadlec.
A recent anterior cruciate ligament injury in one of his legs made it virtually impossible for Ben to participate in any apprehension situations because of the stress and physical demands of that kind of work.
For several weeks, Ben was used in less stressful work, such as for tracking and detection, but even those tasks were difficult and painful for the dog.
Heck noted Ben played a key role in many incidents throughout the years. He located a missing child in a corn field, found many items of evidence and of drugs, searched for many suspects and even apprehended several dangerous criminals.
Ben and his deputy “pal,” Brad, received the Region 7 Patrol Case of the Quarter Award for an apprehension case in December when Ben apprehended a burglary suspect who was armed with a knife and a handgun.
“Ben’s keen senses and abilities will be missed in our Patrol Division,” Heck said. “Ben will enjoy his retirement with the Kadlec family. While Brad Kadlec was understandably saddened at the thought of losing his full-time partner, he and his family are very excited to have Ben with them at home full time in Ben’s other role as family companion.”
As Ben eases into his well-earned retirement, plans are underway to get a new K-9 dog to do the work Ben has done so loyally for so long. It will cost about $10,000 for a new K-9, which includes the initial purchase and the training. It’s expensive because such dogs are carefully selected from a small group of breeders who work to ensure their dogs have all the qualities of a good police K-9.
“The Benton County K-9 program has been funded completely through the generous donations of many members of the public, and we are very grateful for the support this program has received,” Heck said.
During the past decade, there have been nine annual fundraisers at the Wapicada Golf Club in Sauk Rapids to help K-9 programs. The 10th fundraiser, which will help fund a replacement for Ben, will take place Sunday, Aug. 28. The event is being sponsored in conjunction with alumni from the area Citizens Police Academy.
Registration will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m. that day. Tee time (shotgun start) will begin at 1:30 p.m. Each four-person team will be provided with a cart, and a buffet meal will be included in the fee.
To register early for the tournament, which is recommended, email the names of team players to brad.kadlec@benton.mn.us. Entrance fees will be collected the day of the tournament.
Ben, the loyal and courageous K-9, is now retired happily with the family of his long-time officer companion, Benton County Deputy Brad Kadlec.
