The concept for Dane County K9 Inc. was first proposed by several of the canine handlers in 2004. Through the 1980’s and early 1990’s, handlers were expected to purchase, train, and sustain their canine partners from personal funds. In the mid-1990’s, the “Friends of the K-9 Unit” account was established in the County budget as a means to accept contributions for the K-9 program. In the fall of 2007, Dane County K9 Inc became a reality. Dane County K9 Inc intends on providing for the financial needs of the Dane County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. The K-9 Unit is a valuable asset that assists law enforcement personnel in providing service to the community.

RETIRED K-9 TEAMS

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office has been using canines to assist law enforcement since as early as 1901. The current K-9 program has been in place since 1982, making it the longest serving K-9 Unit in Dane County. Many dedicated deputies and canines have served on the Unit. The following is a list of retired K-9 teams.

1901

Sheriff Ernest Burmeister (two bloodhounds)

1960s – 1970s

Deputies David Niemann, Dick Kluever and Rod Wilcox (K-9 Hector)
Deputy Bud Lien (K-9 Fritz)
Deputy Bob Compton (K-9 Pharo)
Deputy Ted Oason (K-9 Baron)

1980s – 1990s

Deputy Terry Brink (K-9 Echo)
Deputy Jeff Nania (K-9 Rosie)
Deputy Ron Mainguth (K-9 Sabre)
Deputy Mark Hamele (K-9 Turbo, K-9 Imp)
Deputy Mike Statz (K-9 Erich)
Deputy Todd Endl (K-9 Belle, K-9 Piwi)
Deputy Robin Syverson (K-9 Michael, K-9 Sorbo)
Deputy Carl Koehler (K-9 Brubaker)
Deputy Ron Dorn (K-9 Barry, K-9 Vosco)
Deputy Tim Ritter (K-9 Arkos)
Deputy Dawn Leatherberry (K-9 Brix)

2000

Deputy Tony Enger (K-9 TJ)
Deputy Scott Lindner (K-9 Didi)
Deputy Jay O’Neil (K-9 Dino, K9 Thor)
Deputy Keith Kelly (K-9 Grando, K-9 Indy)
Deputy Brian Biwer (K-9 Cris)