The Lincoln County Sheriff's Department is preparing to hold a memorial service for a former four-legged member of the department.
Chito, a k-9 who had worked with the sheriff's department since 1997, died earlier this year and will be laid to rest at peaceful pines memorial in Mosinee on Friday.
Chito has been credited with saving two people’s lives during his time on the search and rescue team. He also helped in more than 120 arrests and located nearly 30 suspects and lost persons.
Sergeant Investigator Mark Gartmann, who worked with Chito since 1999, says it's the least they can do for an animal who had such a huge impact on the community.
"I know a lot of people who have pets and dogs can understand the connection to the family as a pet”, he says. “But as a police officer, this animal’s not only a tool, he’s like a partner. You rely on him and he relies on you.”
The memorial marker and lot for Chito was donated by Peaceful Pines Memorials.
The burial service will be held at Peaceful Pines in Mosinee on Friday at 10:00 AM.