After months of preparation and training, Officer Matt Drabek and K-9 “Eros” began duty on Monday, May 12. The K-9 unit is currently assigned to the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift, and will be expected to work a variety of shifts throughout the remainder of this year.
“In October 2013, the Bierman Family Foundation made it possible for the Merrill Police Department to develop and deploy their first K-9 Unit, with a very generous donation,” said Police Chief Ken Neff. “The Merrill Police Department is extremely appreciative of the generosity of the Bierman family.”
Even though the funds granted by the Bierman Foundation are substantial, the Merrill Police K-9 Unit will require continued community support in order to sustain itself for the future. With additional community support, the Merrill Police canine can exist and function without using taxpayer dollars or additional staff. The Merrill Police Department is currently offering a unique collector’s challenge coin to anyone wishing to donate a minimum of $20 to the K-9 fund.
“The K-9 Unit will provide another valuable tool to law enforcement in the City of Merrill to keep the community safe and maintain a quality of life expected by its citizens,” said Neff.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the Merrill Police Department K-9 Unit can contact the Police Department for more information.
