K-9 

A Community K9

The Fitchburg Police Department began the process to bring a new K9 to Fitchburg in February of 2017.  We are grateful for the strong community support of our police department and we ask for your continued support as we embark on a fundraising effort for a new K9. Our goal for this campaign it to raise $27,000 for the purchase of a new K9, equipment and training for the K9 and handler. 

As of April 2017 we have raised enough money to acquire and train a dual-purpose K9.  We feel a dual-purpose K9 brings the most benefit to our community. Learn more below about K9 Drago and the important work he can do.

We still need your assistance to properly equip K9 Drago for his role a dual-purpose patrol K9.
K9 Unit Logo
K9 Drago & Officer Parker

K9 Handler John Parker & K9 Drago


In January of 2017 Officer John Parker was selected as the new K9 Handler. Officer Parker is a seven year veteran of the Fitchburg Police Department. His current assignment is the 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. patrol shift. Officer Parker is also a field-training officer and a member of the Special Events Team.

In April of 2017, Officer Parker graduated from a six-week training program at Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania where he was paired with K9 Drago. 

K9 Drago is a Beligan Malinois from the Netherlands, born in November of 2015. Officer Parker and K9 Drago will begin their assignment in May of 2017.


Fitchburg Police K9 for the community


How You Can Help

Donations


We need your help to ensure K9 Drago is kept safe while working and training. Any monetary donation will help us reach our goal of $27,000. You can donate in person, online or by sending a check to the City of Fitchburg. All donations may be tax-deductible. Donors who provide contact information will receive a letter recognizing their donation.  
 Interested in making a donation? 
  • Donate Online by clicking the Donate Now button to the right. We have partnered with the City of Fitchburg's online payment provider to bring a secure payment processing service to ensure your personal and financial information is safe. 
  • Checks can be made payable to the City of Fitchburg, with Police K9 Fund in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to: City Treasurer Misty Dodge, City of Fitchburg, 5520 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
  • In-person donations can be made with check, cash or credit card at Fitchburg City Hall, during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.

In-Kind Donations


Are you interested in donating goods or services? Supporting a K9 for the duration of their career takes a lot of work. We welcome any offers of goods or services related to the care and maintenance of the K9. Contact Sgt. Edward Hartwick if you are interested in an “in-kind” donation of goods or services.

If you have any questions regarding the K9 Unit, fundraising or donations, contact  Sgt. Hartwick via e-mail at : edward.hartwick@fitchburgwi.gov or
by phone at 608-270-4362.

donate now button

K9 Fundraising Amounts

Merchandise


K9 Unit merchandise, including apparel and stuffed animals will soon be available for purchase. Stay tuned for more information on merchandise.

K9 Merchandise

Updates


Interested in updates on the progress of our fundraising and other news related to the K9 Unit? Like the Fitchburg Police Department on Facebook (www.facebook.com/fitchburgwipolice) and follow us on Twitter @FitchburgWIPD.

K9 Chase - In Memoriam


On January 15, 2016, K9 Chase retired from active duty after nearly eight years of service to the City of Fitchburg Police Department. Chase passed away March 5, 2017.

Over the course of his career, K9 Chase was responsible for numerous seizures of narcotics and firearms and also assisted in locating lost citizens and wanted suspects. Often, his mere presence ensured officers were kept safe and helped de-escalate dangerous situations.

Most importantly though, Chase served as an unofficial ambassador for the department, bringing smiles to those young and old.

Chase will always be remembered for his devotion to his partner, Officer Lopez, the police department and the City of Fitchburg.


K9 Chase Memorial