Mojo 10 joined staff in February

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

For the past several years Otter Tail County has received regional praise for the success of its sheriff department’s K9 dog program. In February 2024 Mojo, 10, a Dutch shepherd dog, officially retired. Replacing Mojo was a Jocko, a one-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd cross.

On Tuesday, July 9, the county board of commissioners approved the addition of a second dog and K9 training that will run from August to November. For several years the Otter Tail County K9 program has been under the direction of sheriff K9 officer Zach Eifert.

“Our K9 unit has been involved in multiple uses over the years, here in Otter Tail County and in adjoining counties,” said Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons to the five county commissioners during the first of their two July gatherings at the County Government Services Center on the northwest side of Fergus Falls.

Added Sheriff Fitzgibbons, “This second dog is needed and will be a regional asset.”

Mojo, the retired county sheriff’s K9 sniffing dog, for several years answered the call to assist the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office and neighboring counties in sniffing for drugs, searching for missing people, pursuing fugitives and assisting deputies in evidence detection.

Mojo, although retired, was assigned to live with Eifert along with Eifert’s wife, Dana, and their children. Fitzgibbons coordinated a retirement ceremony for Mojo that was held Feb. 27 during gathering of the county board of commissioners. 

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

Dogs used in law enforcement 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.

It is 24/7 when calls came in for vehicle sniffs, search warrants and narcotics sniffs. Eifert and his K9 dogs train periodically with other dogs and handlers as part of canine associations, the closest being in West Fargo.

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