"K-9 Cop" forced to retire

Winneshiek County Sheriff's Deputy Steve Nesvik with Ricky, the K-9 cop

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office has learned that its K-9 service dog, Ricky, has a terminal medical condition, forcing him into immediate retirement. 

Ricky has been a member of the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Department for seven years, working and living with his handler, Deputy Steve Nesvik.

Nesvik and Ricky have spent countless hours of intense training to ensure the K-9 Unit is prepared to effectively respond to situations in need of their service.  Ricky was primarily used as a drug dog and track dog, but he also was trained in bite and attack skills. 

Says the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Department, "(we) extend our thanks and gratitude to Ricky and the Nesvik family for their dedication and service to Winneshiek County."

The estimated replacement cost of a K-9 unit is between $15,000 and $20,000.  Since Ricky's health diagnosis was so unexpected, it is too early to determine the future of the K-9 program in the Sheriff's Department.