DOOR CO. (NBC 26) — The Door County Sheriff's Office has secured a new K-9 deputy, but are still looking for help to get a second one on the team.
The Crime Prevention Foundation, a partnership between the department and Door Co. Community Foundation, said K-9 Leo is the newest addition on the force. That's thanks to a generous couple, Mike and Marge McCoy, who have fully funded the purchase and training of Leo and his handler Deputy Matt Tassoul.
K-9 Leo comes after the passing of their K-9 Odinn in June.
“Having a K9 unit in Door County again has proven to be such an asset for the Sheriff's Office and our community,” said Deputy Matt Tassoul. “I look forward to working with Leo to fulfill the mission of the Sherriff’s office and keep our community safe.”
With the addition of Leo, the sheriff's office is hoping to add one more to the team. The CPF said one K-9 will be a dual-purpose unit trained in detection and patrol work, much like the work Odinn had done. He will assist his handler with detection, apprehension and subduing if necessary. The second K-9 will strictly be trained as a tracking and detection animal to help with missing persons, drug detection and community service.
The CPF is still raising money for a second unit, a lifetime worth of care for both dogs and other future initiatives for the foundation to keep the community safe. For more information on how to help out, visit www.SafeDoorCounty.org
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Read the full press release below:
Generous Couple Donates Funds to Secure First K-9 Unit; Community Support Needed for Second Unit
September 30, 2021 – Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin The Door County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Foundation, a partnership between the Door County Sheriff’s Office and the Door County Community Foundation, announced today that a generous couple, Mike and Marge McCoy, have fully funded the purchase and training of a new K-9 deputy. The Crime Prevention Foundation is seeking community support to help bring a second K-9 deputy to our community.
The Crime Prevention Foundation announced in late August an effort to bring two K-9 units to the county. The first K-9 will be a dual-purpose unit trained in detection and patrol work. This K-9 unit will function in the same manner as Odinn (who passed away this past June leaving big paws to fill in the Office) by assisting its handler with not only detection, but apprehension and subduing a suspect if necessary. The second K-9 unit will be strictly trained as a tracking and detection animal to help with missing persons, drug detection, and community service.
The McCoys have generously covered the cost of the new K-9 deputy, Leo, as well as his training. Deputy in Training Leo is pictured here with his handler, Deputy Matt Tassoul.
“Having a K9 unit in Door County again has proven to be such an asset for the Sheriff's Office and our community,” said Deputy Matt Tassoul. “I look forward to working with Leo to fulfill the mission of the Sherriff’s office and keep our community safe.”
The Door County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to the safety and welfare of all citizens and visitors. They are committed to partnering with the community to solve problems and improve public safety in a manner that is fair, transparent, and consistent.
The Crime Prevention Foundation is one of the easiest ways the community can help the Sheriff’s Office live out its mission. The Foundation assists the office in providing vital services important to our community. Our communities’ School Resource Officers, DARE program, Chop ‘N’ Shop with a Cop, CRAVE 21 Challenge, along with specialized law enforcement training and equipment, have all benefited from funds raised by the Foundation.
Door County’s K-9 unit is one of the most beloved programs the Crime Prevention Foundation helped revitalize. Donors large and small rallied together to help purchase and train K-9 Deputy Odinn. The Foundation’s involvement didn’t stop there as it continued to support veterinary services, related safety equipment, and further training for Odinn and his handler.
“The Crime Prevention Foundation has provided many grants to Door County law enforcement agencies over the past several years,” said Sheriff Tammy Sternard. “Our goal is to promote innovative programs and equipment that will enhance local law enforcement in establishing strategies to prevent crime and strengthen relationships with the community. We feel that the K-9 units match that mission perfectly. It is our hope that the community will once again come together to support this initiative.”
The Crime Prevention Foundation is still raising money for a second unit, a lifetime worth of care for both dogs, and other future initiatives of the Crime Prevention Foundation to keep our community safe. For more information about the Door County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Foundation, or to make a contribution, visit www.SafeDoorCounty.org. The Door County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Foundation is a component fund of the Door County Community Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. All contributions are deductible to the fullest extent as allowed by law.
The Door County Community Foundation, Inc. is a collection of separate charitable funds set up by individuals, families, non-profit organizations, private foundations, and businesses that are managed, invested, and disbursed for the current and future good of Door County. The Community Foundation was launched in 1999, currently administers more than $37 million in assets, and distributes more than $5 million to charities in Door County every year. For more information about the Door County Community Foundation, visit us online at www.GiveDoorCounty.org.
