Holly MatkinWest Fargo, ND – West Fargo Police Department (WFPD) K9 ToSti died on Oct. 22 after suffering a medical emergency, according to his department.
The WFPD confirmed the seven-year-old Dutch shepherd’s tragic passing in a Facebook post on Oct. 27.
“On Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, West Fargo Police Department’s K-9 ToSti passed away unexpectedly due to an unforeseen medical emergency while off duty,” the department said.
His exact cause of death was not immediately released.
“K-9 ToSti was a loyal companion and dedicated his life to ensure the safety of his handler, fellow officers and the residents of West Fargo,” West Fargo Police Chief Denis Otterness said in the agency’s Facebook post. “He was a valuable member of our department and will be greatly missed.”
K9 ToSti, who was born in Holland, joined the WFPD in November of 2015 and served alongside his human partner, WFPD Officer Ben Orr.
He was trained in building searches, narcotics detection, article recovery, and suspect tracking, and was deployed more than 800 times during his career.
In addition to assisting local law enforcement agencies, K9 ToSti also worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Red River Valley SWAT, and with agencies in Minnesota, KFGO reported.
A procession honoring K9 ToSti was held on Oct. 28.
The line of law enforcement vehicles began in front of the West Fargo City Hall building on 4th Avenue East and ended at the WFPD, KFGO reported.
“Thank you to all residents, community members, commissioners, law enforcement agencies, and fellow K-9s who came to help bring K-9 ToSti home to the West Fargo Police Department,” the police department said in a Facebook post.
“Our department will continue to honor his dedication and service to our community,” the WFPD added. “K-9 ToSti, we’ve got the watch from here.”
💙 ALERT:
On Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, West Fargo Police Department’s K-9 ToSti passed away unexpectedly due to an unforeseen medical emergency while off duty.
For more information, visit: https://t.co/t9X7E1YHY8 pic.twitter.com/q8rP9zj4FA
— West Fargo Police (@WestFargoPolice) October 27, 2022
With a little help from the WFPD K9 Unit, Chief Janke took a bite from K9 Disco and K9 ToSti! #WestFargosFinest pic.twitter.com/uEtGn9a00t
— West Fargo Police (@WestFargoPolice) December 22, 2017
Happy National Dog Day to K9 Brewtus, ToSti and Macho! #WestFargosFinest #NationalDogDay pic.twitter.com/JYPM6zr5WO
— West Fargo Police (@WestFargoPolice) August 26, 2020
Deb Petrie Olson and her grandson Jovyn Novak stopped by to give some holiday gifts to the WFPD K9 Unit. K9 Disco and K9 ToSti enjoyed their new toys! #WestFargosFinest pic.twitter.com/wmEs5joWyJ
— West Fargo Police (@WestFargoPolice) December 23, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with the West Fargo Police Department and Officer Orr in the loss of K9 ToSti.
