<div>On May 25th, 2025, our beloved Gary Ross Gronos passed away peacefully at the age of 81. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and public servant, Gary spent over half his life protecting and serving communities across Minnesota and Wisconsin with unwavering integrity.
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<div>A proud veteran of the Minnesota Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve, Gary began his law enforcement journey in Cottage Grove, MN, where he made history. In 1968, he and his loyal K-9 partner, Fritz, became the first K-9 team in the entire state of Minnesota—a milestone he considered his proudest accomplishment. Together, they set the foundation for what would become a critical and lifesaving element of policing across the state.
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<div>Over his remarkable career, Gary went on to serve with distinction in departments across Minnesota and Wisconsin, retiring as Police Chief in Mora, MN in 1998 and later in Rome, WI in 2005. But it was his beginnings in Cottage Grove, alongside Fritz, that defined his legacy: courage, loyalty, and service.
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<div>Gary’s impact extended far beyond his badge. He was a seasoned fisherman who loved chasing walleye and salmon across the North. More than anything, he was a selfless and compassionate man who always put the needs of others first—both in and out of uniform.
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<div><strong>Now, we want to honor his legacy in the most meaningful way possible.</strong>
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<div>We are raising $14,000 to help fund a new police dog for the Cottage Grove K-9 Unit—a living tribute to the unit Gary built from the ground up. Every dollar donated will go directly to the Cottage Grove Police Department to support the purchase, training, and care of their next K-9 officer.
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<div>This campaign is not just about funding a dog—it’s about continuing a legacy. About protecting and serving the community Gary loved so deeply. About remembering a man who gave everything to keep others safe.
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<div>Please consider contributing to this cause, sharing Gary’s story, and helping us make sure his lifelong work continues to serve and protect for generations to come.
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<div>With love and gratitude,
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<div>The Family of Gary Gronos
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<div>Organizer Avery LaMere, Grandson
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<div>Link to the Fox 9 story 
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<div><a href="https://www.fox9.com/news/k9-sergeants-research-leads-him-first-k9-handler-cottage-grove-helps-family-connection?fbclid=IwY2xjawLaOYtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFHOVdhbEpqaEVUMU5qTDBRAR5nSMcYD8CM0HdaIruglIoK6FWOTR9TyV-cBi9ruz6eQ4AnlvFFxc1CGeXMgg_aem_vqn9rbUQ3Es1I_TNlKOSww" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.fox9.com/news/k9-sergeants-research-leads-him-first-k9-handler-cottage-grove-helps-family-connection?fbclid=IwY2xjawLaOYtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFHOVdhbEpqaEVUMU5qTDBRAR5nSMcYD8CM0HdaIruglIoK6FWOTR9TyV-cBi9ruz6eQ4AnlvFFxc1CGeXMgg_aem_vqn9rbUQ3Es1I_TNlKOSww</a>
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Kathleen Glines

Trisha Telander

Ter Best Family

Margaret Ramey

MARILYNE VANHALANGER

Naomi Owen

Amy McKnight

Barb and Lee V.

Susan Rich

Paula Johnson

Brandon Prell

The Hackers

Harvey Mitchell

Erdmann Family

Althea G

Nicole P

Michele Lamere

Scott Andrews

Celebrate Gary's Service with a New K-9 Officer

Celebrate Gary's Service with a New K-9 Officer

Still $10,815 to go. Help us build momentum.