10/05/2026
🐾 INTRODUCING K-9 KRUZE! 🐾
The Chester Police Department is excited to officially announce the establishment of our new K-9 Program and introduce the newest member of our department, K-9 Kruze!
Kruze’s journey to Chester is a pretty special one.
After being abandoned on the streets of Memphis, Tennessee, Kruze eventually found himself in a high-kill shelter. His potential was recognized through Redemption Ranch K9 Rescue, a nonprofit organization that rescues high-drive working-breed dogs from shelters and gives them a second chance with a new purpose in law enforcement.
Kruze was evaluated and selected for their program and ultimately paired with the Chester Police Department and his handler, Deputy Chief Ethan Skolrud.
For the past several weeks, Kruze and his handler have been spending time together building their bond, working on basic obedience, and preparing for the next step in their journey. In November, the team will travel to the Indianapolis area to complete an intensive K-9 training program together.
Upon successful completion of training, Kruze will serve Chester as a narcotics detection and tracking K-9. He will provide our officers with an additional resource for narcotics investigations while also bringing tracking capabilities that can be utilized in situations such as locating missing or endangered persons.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Redemption Ranch K9 for making this opportunity possible. Their commitment to rescuing dogs like Kruze, recognizing their potential, and pairing them with law enforcement agencies has given Kruze a second chance while providing our Department and community with an incredible new resource. They have also provided tremendous support as we prepare Kruze and the Department for the program ahead.
We have already been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm shown for Kruze and the K-9 program by our local businesses, residents, community organizations, and City leadership. Establishing a program like this takes the support of more than just a police department, and we are extremely grateful to have a community that has already stepped up to help make it possible.
Kruze’s story is ultimately one of second chances. Once abandoned on the streets of Memphis, he is now preparing for a new life helping protect the streets of Chester. Along the way, he has gained a home, a job, a purpose, and an entire community behind him.
There will be much more to share as Kruze progresses through training, and we look forward to giving everyone the opportunity to meet him at community events in the future.
Please join us in welcoming K-9 Kruze to the Chester Police Department!
