Cudahy Police Officer, Canine Honored as Rookie Handler of the Year
Police officers and residents know what an asset the new K-9 Unit has been to the City of Cudahy over the past year. The state of Wisconsin knows it, too.
Officer Brian Olson and “Ezzo” were awarded the K-9 Rookie Handler of the Year Award by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handler’s Association (WLECHA), at a ceremony in Wisconsin Dells last week.
Ezzo (pronounced Et-zo) is certified in drug detection, building searches, tracking, criminal apprehension and officer protection. He was trained at Steinig Tal Kennel in Campbellsport, WI, after being brought to the United States from Germany in May of 2008.
Since coming to the Cudahy Police Department last October, Officer Olson and Ezzo have had more than 100 deployments. Among their accomplishments:
• 436.1 total grams of marijuana seized
• 18 assists to other law enforcement agencies
• 40+ arrests associated with deployments
• 4 searches at area schools
• 13 tactical deployments (warrant execution or other tactical operations)
In March, Olson and Ezzo assisted with a drug investigation that led to the largest single seizure of marijuana in Cudahy Police Department history. Ezzo detected the presence of illegal narcotics in a vehicle tracked from North Carolina to a Milwaukee hotel. The canine’s indication on the vehicle assisted officers in obtaining a search warrant, which led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of 59 pounds of marijuana, thousands of dollars and a loaded gun.
Lieutenant Chris Kraker, Officer Olson’s supervisor, nominated Olson and Ezzo for the Rookie Handler of the Year award.
“Olson and Ezzo have exhibited the dedication, effort and production which exemplify the standards that WLECHA promotes,” Lieutenant Kraker said. “Ezzo has endeared himself to all members of the Cudahy Police Department, and has been embraced by the law-abiding citizens of our community.”
Along with their regular duties, Olson and Ezzo conduct demonstrations around the community to build a better relationship with citizens. They often perform for schools and retirement facilities.
