Drug-sniffing dog also searched for missing people, fugitives

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Mojo, the county sheriff K9 drug-sniffing dog, has for several years answered the call to assist the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office and in neighboring counties. This 10-year-old dog also searched for missing people, pursued fugitives and assisted deputies in evidence detection.

Now Mojo, a Dutch shepherd dog, is officially retired. He will live with his long-time handler and sheriff K9 officer Zach Eifert along with Eifert’s wife, Dana, and their children.

County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons coordinated a retirement ceremony for Mojo that was held during the Tuesday morning, Feb. 27, gathering of the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners. Sheriff department employees, past and present, were among those in attendance when a plaque was presented.

“It’s well and good that we recognize the value of canine units,” said County Board Chairman Kurt Mortenson of rural Underwood. “Our K9 program enhances officer safety and bolsters the protection of Otter Tail County residents.”

Mojo’s replacement is Jocko, a one-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross.

Dogs used in law enforcement, such as Mojo and Jocko, are chosen for their intelligence, working drive and strong sense of smell.

Officers such as Eifert are more than just dog handlers.

They attend classes with their dogs in order to develop unique relationships and become trusted partners. Eifert and Mojo received national certifications for narcotics detection and patrol functions.

More about the bond 

between Mojo and Eifert

In the spring of 2015 Eifert and Mojo took training for six weeks in Iowa. Included was narcotics detection and suspect apprehension.

“We selected Mojo on the recommendation of a trainer who spoke highly of Dutch shepherds,” Eifert said. “We didn’t want a hard-charging dog, but rather a dog with a good nose to help us in Otter Tail County.”

Later, in the summer of 2015, Eifert and Mojo returned to Iowa for training in the tracking of items tossed away by suspects, and recovering those items. This was a one-week session.

Eifert and Mojo worked well together on a weekly basis. It was 24/7 over the years when calls came in for vehicle sniffs, search warrants and narcotics sniffs. Eifert also is a crime-scene technician and drug-recognition expert.

“I was the only handler for Mojo,” Eifert said, “and we trained periodically with other dogs and handlers as part of canine associations, the closest being in West Fargo.”

Recertification took place annually through the U.S. Police Canine Association and the North American Police Work Dog Association.

“Mojo was always an all-around good boy,” Eifert said.