WILLMAR — The lobby of the Law Enforcement Center might look slightly different now, following a ceremony to unveil a life-size stainless steel German shepherd sculpture Wednesday afternoon in Willmar.
The statue, which recognizes the value of K-9 officers within the police, emergency and military services, was constructed by students within the Ridgewater College welding program. The statue will remain as a permanent fixture of the Law Enforcement Center lobby.
With plans originating from a Russian designer, the sculpture features 145 individual pieces of cut steel, welded at together at complex angles to bring the unique design to life.
"Today, we dedicate this memorial to our K-9 protectors, helpers and companions," said Willmar Police Chief Jim Felt.
Fourteen law enforcement K-9s have served the Willmar and Kandiyohi County area since the 1970s with the Willmar Police Department, Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota State Patrol. Three remain active in local agencies today.
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"The rest live on in our hearts and memories with gratitude for the protection, loyalty and faithful service they've given," Felt said.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
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Music lovers flocked to Rice Park in Willmar for an evening of free music performed by Prairie Winds Summer Band on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
The musical will be performed three weekends in June at The Barn Theatre in downtown Willmar.
More than 20 bands play at various stages throughout downtown New London during Porchfest on Saturday, June 23, 2023.
Green Lake BMX hosts MN BMX State Qualifier in Spicer on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School held its Class of 2023 commencement at the Willmar Civic Center on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Little Crow Ski opened its summer season Friday at Neer Park. The team will perform through the end of August, 2023.
Novice and advanced spoon carvers converge in the small town of Milan for the 17th annual Spoon Gathering this weekend.
More than two dozen Memorial Day ceremonies took place throughout west central Minnesota on Monday, May 29, as residents paid respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sibley State Park teaches children fishing basics on Lake Andrew over Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Graduation ceremony sees 23 students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 27.
Veterans and community members come together to place American flags on veteran graves, raise 100 flags at memorial the morning of Friday, May 26, 2023.
Willmar students won the Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association Supermileage Challenge at Brainerd International Raceway with a car that recorded a top performance single run of 532.55 miles per gallon.
Red fox kits are visible from a home den in Chippewa County on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Section 5A golf at Eagle Creek Golf Club on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Willmar.
Norwegian celebration fills Milan's downtown streets as residents celebrate their heritage Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Twin Cities magician Justin Alan brings, laughs, curiosity and fun to Willmar during his magic show at the Willmar Community Center on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
PHOTOS: Flowers, trees and green grass make a resurgence in west central Minnesota after sunny skies
Area trees, foliage burst back to life as temperatures and long, sunny days mark their return this spring season.
Fishing season for popular fish including walleye, bass and northern pike kicks off over the weekend.
Proud parents, family and friends fill sidewalks and theatre to watch students in prom grand march on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School hosted grand march and prom festivities on Friday, May 5, 2023.
On May 4, 2023, the day before this year's Willmar Senior High School prom, school staff dress up for staff prom.
Children bike, roll and ride scooters to school during National Bike & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Vendors, games and a color run for kiddos highlight annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Willmar.
New ambulance exhibit donated by CentraCare revealed at museum's five-year celebration on Friday, April 28, 2023.
As area lakes and streams thaw, waterfowl moving north inundate open waters throughout Kandiyohi County.
A weekly drum circle on Wednesdays at the Willmar Community Center focuses on community, engagement and a way to decompress while having a little fun.
First-ever Daddy Daughter Formal is a smashing success as hundreds register for night of dancing.
Law enforcement and community members pay their respects to slain Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen during his funeral at Minnewaska Area High School on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Glenwood, Minnesota.
Folks gathered for music, guest speakers and more at the Willmar Civic Center during the annual Life Connections event on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Karen Aakre passes along Norwegian skinfeller teachings during a two-day course at Milan Village Arts School.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar police successfully arrested a 46-year-old suspect after he allegedly attempted to flee from police Tuesday night. According to a release from Chief Jim Felt, a responding officer deployed a BolaWrap, a device used to restrain non-compliant individuals. Willmar police began using the device in 2021.
Willmar police were dispatched early Wednesday morning to a home in the 1000 block of Seventh Street Southwest after a homeowner discovered bullet holes in their home. According to Chief Jim Felt, officers recovered several cartridge casings at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
On Monday, June 5, the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office said on its Facebook page that it had received an increase in accidental 911 calls. Law enforcement says if an accidental call is made to 911, stay on the line and let the dispatcher know.
Four people suffered non-life-threatening injuries — three were transported to the hospital — after a reported crash on U.S. Highway 12 in Kandiyohi Township Monday afternoon. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, one vehicle was attempting a left turn when the vehicles collided.
William Edward Schindler, 26, entered the plea for shooting one of three officers executing search warrant at a residence in Granite Falls on April 10.
A 47-year-old man injured in a crash has not been identified publicly and was transported by Life Link Air Ambulance to a hospital that was unnamed in the news release.
Willmar police were dispatched around 9:49 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a drive-by shooting in the area of Civic Center Drive and 23rd Street Northeast. Police later made contact with the suspect and recovered a 9mm handgun.
The DNR is reminding off-highway vehicle riders to prioritize their safety. According to the DNR, an average of 22 people died each year in off-highway vehicle crashes for the past six years.
From the letter: Recently, we have been reminded of the dangers that members of law enforcement face every day in service of our communities with the tragic death of Pope County Deputy Sheriff Josh Owen being the latest reminder. Please remember to keep Deputy Owen’s family in your prayers and may he rest in peace.
No injuries were reported Friday afternoon after a chlorine gas cylinder leak was discovered at a Willmar Municipal Utilities building.
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