Steel King donates for new K9 at SPPD, granted naming rights

By Brandi Makuski

Stevens Point police will soon install their newest K9 officer and handler, with a little help from Steel King.

Administration from SPPD gathered Tuesday morning for a photo op with Brian Pfannes, president of Steel King Industries, Inc. after the company announced it would pay for a big chunk of the costs associated with getting a new K9 dog.

SPPD also announced its new K9 handler, Ofc. Jason Dienger, 28, transferred into the department a little over a year ago. Dienger said he and his wife already have two dogs at home, and becoming a K9 handler is something he’s always wanted to do.

Pfannes said Steel King has been in the community since 1970 and has experienced several positive interactions with SPPD over the past decade.

“We appreciate everything you do for the community. When this opportunity came up, we thought it would be a great chance for us to give back to your department.”

With its $5,000 donation, Police Chief Bob Kussow said Steel King was also granted naming rights for the new dog. Pfannes said the company chose “Coye” after a prominent businessman in Stevens Point’s past, who also has a street named for him. It’s also the location of Steel King’s new world headquarters, which will open sometime this year, Pfannes said.

“We wanted something that reflected past, present, and future,” he said.

Dienger, along with Assistant Police Chief Dana WIlliams, will leave later this week for Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana to choose his new partner from two male dogs. After a brief return home, Dienger and Coye will undergo several weeks of training at Vohne Liche.

After graduating from training, the two will be installed as the new K9 duo at SPPD. Dienger and Coye will replace Officer Austin Lee and K9 Fala, as Lee stepped down from the role earlier this year.