"They end up being a part of your family:" Mequon Police K9 Officer Vero, laid to rest
MEQUON (WITI) -- It's a very sad day for the Mequon Police Department, as one of their most valuable officers is laid to rest.
On January 2nd, 2015, the quiet procession of police cars is an overwhelming show of support for one of Mequon's most beloved officers.
"He tracked suspects for miles at a time. He found missing people. He searched buildings for us and found people hiding in places we never would have found," said Mequon Police Chief Steve Graff.
After serving the City of Mequon for more than seven years, health problems got the best of K9 Officer Vero. His handler, Officer John Hoell, and his colleagues, agreed to let him go and be put to sleep.
"They end up being part of your family, just a like a child," said Brown Deer Police K9 Officer, Joshua Morgan.
Fellow K9 officers brought their dogs as a show of support, and as the tears flow they all said their final goodbyes.
"Once they get sick, they just keep going and going. But at some point you just have to do the right thing for them -- and let them rest in peace," said Officer Morgan.
Officer Vero was retired in August and the Mequon Police Chief knew this day would come soon after.
"Typically after they retire, they lose their drive to live because that was their life, you know, service life," said Chief Graff.
But that doesn't make it any easier, especially for Officer Vero's family. His work will always be remembered. He's responsible for taking more than $100,000 worth of drugs off the street.
"It's hard to lose them when they're literally with you 24/7," said Officer Morgan.
Officer Vero was the department's first-ever K9. Mequon's police chief says K9 Officer Iron is now on the force. He is expecting great things from him in the future.