Cresco Police get new K-9 dog/unit

CRESCO - The Cresco Police Department has announced the purchase of a Silver Labrador. Several donations over the last couple of months, as well as a significantly large donation from a private donor made it  possible. 

Training, veterinarian fees, adding a cage to one of the vehicles, and other anticipated expenses total up to over $30,000 for the implemention of a K-9 unit. Donations are continued to be encouraged, as there is still a bit to go to reach the high financial goal.

The idea for a K-9 unit was brought to the City Council earlier this year. A handler came in and demonstrated different commands and actions from another police force. The motion was approved by City Council and funding efforts began.

Finding the perfect dog took time, and after researching breeders and types of dogs,  Sergeant Welper, along with other members of the staff, decided on Emmylou, a Silver Lab. Emmylou will serve as a single purpose K-9, specializing in detecting narcotics and tracking. 

She is described as “very friendly” and “lovable”, they are hoping that she will become “a family member to the community”.  

Sergeant Welper will be Emmylou’s sole handler, and will go through four weeks of training with her. She will also live with Sergeant Welper to help strengthen the bond between handler and K-9.

The Cresco Police Department continues to extend their knowledge base on narcotics and have attended several meetings in the last few months. This included the Midwest Counter Drug meeting, which is the “premier resource in the Midwest for counter-narcotic training and professional development”. This can help officers identify new habits in the community and ways to detect illegal behavior. New equipment is also showcased and demonstrated during the meetings.