GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) – Sgt. Preston Engstrom had only been with the Grand Forks Police Department for a short time before his career shifted in dramatic fashion.
“My first year or so I had the opportunity to kind of help out with the current (K-9) handlers that we had,” he explained. “It was a lot of fun, I had a blast with the guys that were doing it already. So, when the opportunity came up to select another handler, I threw my name in.”
That’s how, in 2016, Engstrom got to partner with K-9 Riot. After over five months of intense training – the duo was ready to hit the street.
Engstrom says Riot has had her share of escapades.
“We were tracking a person who had run from a stolen vehicle,” Engstrom said. “And she tracked him straight into the river and jumped in, which kinda took me by surprise.”
Engstrom says that after nearly a decade on the job, Riot is sharp as ever, but at 10 years old, the department decided it was time for her to step away and enjoy her remaining days relaxing as much as she can.
Engstrom says he’s excited that Riot gets to be a normal dog, but he’s going to miss going into work with his partner of nearly a decade.
“We spend more time with these dogs than we do with anybody else, including our family,” he said. “For me, [the best part was] getting to come to work every day – sounds kind of cliche, maybe – but with your best friend.”
Riot’s last day is Monday.
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