In 1998, the Pleasant Prairie Police Department began fundraising to start a K-9 Unit for the Village. Through the generosity of the local business community and private individuals, the department raised enough funds to purchase, train and outfit the K-9 Unit.

The Village’s first K-9, Astor, reported for duty in November of 1998. Astor was retired in October 2004 due to illness. The Village’s second K-9, Rico, joined the department in 2005 and retired due to medical conditions in 2011 (read more about Rico in the May 2014 Village Newsletter). In May 2012, the most recent K-9, Echo, reported for duty.

Astor, Rico and Echo have been invaluable resources to the department and the community. They have assisted in drug searches and in searching for missing persons and/or suspects. By the nature of their work to keep officers and the community safe, these K-9 partners experience more physical stress than an average domestic canine and often require extensive care once retired.

Both Astor and Rico were purchased and cared for with donated funds, while Echo’s purchase was budgeted as part of the 2012 general fund budget. All expenses related to the maintenance and care for the dogs, including veterinarian costs, food costs and training supplies are paid for through donations from concerned citizens.

The Police Department continues to accept donations for the care of the dogs. If you are interested in making a donation to help support the care of the department’s K-9 officers, your help would be very much appreciated.

Donations can be sent to the: Pleasant Prairie Police Department; Attn: K-9 Fund; 8600 Green Bay Road; Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 53158. If you would like for your donation to be used for veterinary care for our retired K-9 officers, a separate fund has been established to help provide post-service veterinary care. If you have a preference, please indicate this on your donation.

Members of the department wish to sincerely thank all those businesses and individuals who have helped to support this program in the community over the years.