Polk County Sheriff K9 Buffy to Retire Early for Medical Reasons

Fosston, MN — An early retirement is in the works for one of Polk County’s canine companions. K9 Buffy, who joined the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in February 2020, will be leaving the force after just three years due to medical reasons. Buffy’s handler, Polk County Deputy Kyle Olson, and Polk County Sheriff Jim Tadman announced the news while on the KKCQ Food for Thought program this week. Sheriff Tadman says they started noticing the issue with Buffy earlier this winter.

Deputy Olson says surgery isn’t an option at the moment due to the cost, but he believes that her condition will improve now that she is off the force and his activity will be reduced.

Buffy was one of two K9’s on the Polk County Sheriff Department as K9 Rex joined the force in June of 2021. However, Sheriff Tadman says it is their intention to add a second K9 back on the squad as soon as possible.

Deputy Olson highlights some of Buffy’s accomplishments and statistics from her short tenure with Polk County.

Sheriff Tadman thanks Buffy for excellent service. She will continue to live with Deputy Olson and his family.

Listen to the full interview Sheriff Tadman and Deputy Olson from the KKCQ Food for Thought program below: