Community donations sought to help fund the next generation of Iowa County’s K9 program
The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office is announcing the planned retirement of K9 Sam, who is expected to retire on December 31, 2026, after seven years of dedicated patrol service. At retirement, Sam will be eight years old.
K9 Sam has been an invaluable member of the Sheriff’s Office, assisting deputies in locating suspects, tracking missing and endangered individuals, conducting evidence searches, and detecting illegal narcotics. Beyond law enforcement, Sam has represented the Sheriff’s Office at numerous community events and demonstrations, strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the citizens we serve.
As Sam approaches retirement, the Sheriff’s Office is beginning the process of selecting and training his replacement. Planning ahead is essential to ensure there is no interruption in K9 services for Iowa County. Once a new handler is selected, they will attend an intensive six-week certification academy beginning in October before returning to Iowa County to serve alongside their new K9 partner.
Maintaining a K9 program is a significant financial commitment. The cost of purchasing a properly trained K9, specialized equipment, veterinary care, training, and ongoing certifications represents a substantial investment. While these costs are considerable, the benefits of a well-trained police K9 are immeasurable. K9 teams enhance public safety by locating suspects and missing persons more quickly, reducing risks to deputies and the public, recovering evidence that might otherwise be lost, and assisting in the detection of illegal narcotics. In many situations, the presence of a K9 can safely resolve incidents without the need for greater use of force.
The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office has been incredibly fortunate to receive tremendous support from our community over the years. That support has allowed us to build and maintain a professional K9 program that serves the citizens of Iowa County every day. We are once again asking for the community’s partnership as we begin fundraising efforts for Sam’s successor.
Community members and businesses wishing to support the purchase and training of our next K9 may make donations by dropping them off at the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, 109 East Leffler Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533.
Anyone with questions or who would like additional information about supporting the K9 program may contact:
Sheriff Michael Peterson
Email: mike.peterson@iowacounty.org
or
K9 Handler Stephanie Benisch
Email: Stephanie.Benisch@iowacounty.org
The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to our residents, businesses, and community partners for their continued support. Together, we can ensure that Iowa County continues to benefit from a highly trained K9 team that protects our deputies and the community for years to come.
As we prepare for Sam’s well-earned retirement, we also want to recognize his years of faithful service. We look forward to celebrating his career later this year and thanking him for the countless ways he has helped keep Iowa County safe.