Memorial planned for Thursday

By Erik Buchinger

The Clintonville Police Department will hold a memorial for recognition for K-9 Chero, who died on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Police Chief Jim Beggs said the officers were shocked at Chero’s unexpected death.

“All of the officers were extremely shocked and disappointed because all of us have gotten very close with the dog,” Beggs said. “He definitely became a productive and integral part of our department.”

Chero was sick the night before his death and was taken to the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center for evaluation. He died the next morning from a medical condition in which his entire intestinal system was deprived of blood.

Chero was born on Jan. 2, 2013 and started working for the department on Nov. 1, 2014.

“He had an extreme presence,” Beggs said. “He had a very big command and was very effective as far as his accomplishments as a K-9 sniff. He became a close associate inside the department – very affectionate to all members of the department and was a close friend of everyone. It’s like losing the department pet.”

Chero was the only dog on the staff, and the department will be looking to replace him by early 2018.

Beggs said the K-9 program is entirely funded by donations and fundraising with no tax dollars involved. He said the department will be going through a rigorous effort to replace Chero.

Anyone interested in making a donation can contact the Clintonville Police Department. Donations are tax deductible.

A memorial will be held at St. Martin Lutheran Church at 100 S. Clinton Ave. on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. with a squad and K-9 processional arriving at the church at 12:30 p.m.

The processional will enter the city on South Main Street and go through downtown and end on 8th Street at the church.

The public is welcomed and encouraged to attend the memorial and watch the procession.