FOP Supports Therapy K9 Program as State-wide Resource

At the April 21, 2025 meeting, the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) endorsed two new Therapy K-9s, Rip and Summit, handled by Lodge 6 members Tom and Paige Lowery. Trained by the non-profit Soldier's 6 since August 2024, both dogs passed their certification exams and will undergo annual re-certification, serving as a statewide resource for agencies without therapy dogs to assist after critical incidents and during lodge events.

David Miller, Minnesota FOP State President, expressed excitement about partnering with the First Responder K9 program to enhance support services for members. Soldier 6 is a highly regarded therapy K9 training program, renowned for its rigorous certification process led by trainers with backgrounds in law enforcement and military K9 training. This is the first time an FOP lodge has supported a Therapy K9 Program in the nation and MN FOP is proud to take the lead.

Thanks to our initial funding from the Chanhassen American Legion & Bernatallo's Foods Brew Pub Pizza they are ready to hit the ground running. Tom & Rip's first deployment will be to Police Week in Washington DC, May 11-16, 2025 to work with survivors attending memorial services. Minnesota had an awful year in 2024 having lost five officers and one fire medic who were tragically killed in the line of duty. National Fraternal Order of Police will host a memorial service at the U.S. Capitol on May 15th where familes will be presented the Medal of Valor as the names of fallen officers are read aloud.

If you would like to support the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Therapy K9 program, please visit us at Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Foundation to make a donation. Your contributions will help enhance the well-being of law enforcement personnel and their communities.

Follow Rip & Summit on Facebook to see them in action.

K9 Rip & K9 Summit

MN FOP Therapy K9