Police in Manitowoc have bid farewell to a longstanding police K9 following his well-earned retirement.
The Manitowoc Police Department has shared that K9 Neko has retired after eight years of removing drugs off the streets with the department.
Born in Slovakia in 2014, Neko was brought to the U.S. and trained as a dual-purpose police K9 before beginning training with MPD Officer Koenig in April 2017.
The duo’s first day on patrol in Manitowoc came on May 2nd, 2017.
Neko has been nominated twice for the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handlers Association Track of the Year.
Additionally, Officer Koenig and Neko received an Award of Valor in 2023 for locating and saving the life of a man who was in need of immediate medical help.
During Neko’s eight years of service, he was responsible for removing copious amounts of drugs off the streets in Manitowoc, highlighted by the seizure of 837 grams of cocaine, 546 grams of meth and other amphetamines, and 22.1 grams of fentanyl, the equivalent of 11,050 lethal doses of the dangerous drug.
Neko’s official last day with the Manitowoc Police Department came yesterday (February 19th).
He will continue living with his handler Officer Koenig where he will be getting some well-earned treats, toys, and time to relax.
