MCFARLAND, Wis. – The McFarland Police Department is excited to announce that the Village has approved the creation and deployment of a second police K9 team to serve the Village of McFarland community alongside K9 Rudy. Officer M. Schroeckenthaler has been selected as the department’s next K9 handler and will begin preparing for the addition of the new K9.
Because of the generous community support and fundraising efforts over the past several years, the McFarland Police Department K9 unit is able to cover a significant portion of the expense necessary to deploy the second K9 team. However, $45,000 is still needed to cover the remaining expenses to fully fund the startup of this second K9.
The McFarland Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in helping raise the remaining amount needed to obtain this goal. Once this goal is met, Officer Schroeckenthaler will immediately begin his search for his K9 partner. It is our objective to have Officer Schroeckenthaler and his K9 partner serving within the community by the beginning of 2027.
The McFarland Police Department has opened a fundraising campaign on Zeffy. You can find the campaign page and donate by following the link below, or by scanning the QR code.
The donations received from the campaign will be used directly for expenses associated with starting the second K9 team, including:
- Purchase of the police K9
- Initial K9 training and certification
- K9 squad car
- Squad car equipment and outfitting
- K9-specific duty and safety equipment for Officer Schroeckenthaler and his K9 partner
- Other resources necessary for a successful deployment
Community members, neighbors, and businesses interested in supporting the initiative are encouraged to make a donation and help the department reach its fundraising goal. Donations can also be made in person at the McFarland Police Department. Please mention that the donation is for the second K9 team. Please watch for status updates on the fundraiser by visiting the McFarland Police Department’s Facebook page.
For more information about the McFarland K9 unit program or how to contribute, please contact the McFarland Police Department at 608-838-3151.
