NORTHWEST WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin State Patrol and other law enforcement partners came together on Thursday, Jan. 5, to honor K-9 Roni. The German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix passed away unexpectedly last month after more than eight years of service.
K-9 Roni was stationed in Eau Claire and served on calls across the northwest part of the state. Partnered with Trooper Justin Glasener, Roni was deployed more than 750 times. The pair played a key public safety role and was responsible for the seizure of large amounts of contraband during Roni's career.
The State Patrol K-9 Unit was established in 2006. At full staff, it is comprised of nine dogs and their handlers. The team offers search capabilities for the detection of illegal narcotics and explosives and provides other law enforcement services throughout the state.
Roni was born in the Netherlands and joined the State Patrol in July 2014. Following his initial narcotics detection training, he was partnered with Glasener, who is assigned to the Eau Claire post in the State Patrol's Northwest Region. They were certified in October 2014 after completing 160 hours of training.
“We honor Roni today, knowing he was so much more than a pet, more than a tool, more than an asset,” Chaplain John Putnam said. “(Roni was) trained by a special group of dedicated officers to protect the innocent, get drugs off the street and, if called to do so, sacrifice his life in the protection and service of others.”
Sgt. Todd Brehm, who leads the State Patrol K-9 Unit, said he knew from the beginning that Roni would be the right fit for the division.
“He was smart, independent, athletic, affectionate and sometimes stubborn,” Brehm said. “You really couldn't ask for a better partner.”About 75 people, including law enforcement officers from other agencies, community members and friends, gathered at the Eau Claire post for the visitation and remembrance of K-9 Roni.
