The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office is welcoming the newest K9 member of their team while saying goodbye to another.
Sheriff Dan Marx says K9 Drago joins the department as a highly trained and experienced “dual purpose” law enforcement service dog. A three-year-old German Shepherd, Drago is proficient in drug detection, tracking, and apprehension. Drago’s handler will be Deputy Logan Hopp, a New Hampton native.
Marx notes that Drago has replaced K9 Rooster, after Rooster had significant issues with socialization, temperament, and anxiety, preventing him from fulfilling the requirements for which he was acquired. Thus, Rooster has been removed from duty and returned to his original home/trainer and is being very well cared for.
Marx added it was an extremely difficult decision, but it was not fair to the people of Winneshiek County or Rooster to keep him in service.
Hopp says he is excited to have Drago as his new partner and they will continue to strive for excellence in service and provide Winneshiek County with a top-of-the-line K9 program.
The sheriff’s office was able to work out an agreement with the trainer to trade for Drago at no additional costs to Winneshiek County.
