K-9 Unit

The Cudahy Police Department established its Canine Unit on October 1st, 2008 when "Ezzo" (pronounced Et-zo) was welcomed with his handler Officer Brian Olson.

Ezzo is a black and tan German Shepherd and is a multi-purpose dog certified in narcotics detection, building searches, tracking criminal apprehension and officer protection.  Ezzo was born in Germany and imported to the United States in May 2008.  He was then trained at Steinig Tal Kennel in Campbellsport, WI.

Along with their regular duties, Officer Olson and Ezzo conduct demonstrations around the community to build a better relationship with citizens.  They often perform for schools and retirement facilities.

Currently, the Cudahy Police Canine Unit is funded by donations from citizens and community organizations.  Donations can be made to the Cudahy Police K-9 Fund and directed to Capt. Christopher Kraker at Krakerc@ci.cudahy.wi.us.

For more information about canine units, please check out the police department LINKS page.

In October, 2009 Officer Olson and "Ezzo" were awarded the K-9 Rookie Handler of the Year Award by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handler's Association (WLECHA), at a ceremony in Steven's Point.

Since coming to the Cudahy Police Department Officer Olson and Ezzo have had more than 100 deployments.  Among their accomplishments:

• 436.1 total grams of marijuana seized
• 18 assists to other law enforcement agencies
• 40+ arrests associated with deployments
• 4 searches at area schools
• 13 tactical deployments (warrant execution or other tactical operations)

In March, Olson and Ezzo assisted with a drug investigation that led to the largest single seizure of marijuana in Cudahy Police Department history.  Ezzo detected drugs in a vehicle tracked from North Carolina to a Milwaukee hotel.  That led to a search warrant which resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of 59 pounds of marijuana, thousands of dollars and a loaded gun.

Lieutenant Chris Kraker, Officer Olson's supervisor, nominated the pair for the Rookie Handler of the Year award.

 "Olson and Ezzo have exhibited the dedication, effort and production which exemplify the standards that WLECHA promotes," Lieutenant Kraker said.  "Ezzo has endeared himself to all members of the Cudahy Police Department, and has been embraced by the law-abiding citizens of our community."

City of Cudahy - 5050 S. Lake Drive - Cudahy, WI - 53110
 Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.