Lincoln County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit

05/28/2025

Happy 10th birthday to K-9 Nina! While her appearance has changed some over the years, more specifically the addition of some gray hair, she still remains full of drive and passion to work. We are grateful for the nearly 8 years of service she has provided to Lincoln County.

08/15/2024

Stop down at Power House Lawn & Leisure on Friday and / or Saturday for their Steaks for Paws Cookoff! They will be making a donation to the K-9 Unit from the proceeds from this event. We thank Dave Nelson, his crew, and everyone that participates in advance for their generosity. K-9 Nina will be stopping in to say hi to everyone!

05/28/2024

Happy 9th Birthday to K-9 Nina! Minus a few more gray hairs, she is still the same energetic, driven dog who loves to do her job. It has been 7 years since K-9 Nina and K-9 Poncho (we miss you buddy) began their training in Indiana with their handlers. We thank them both for all they've done for our community!

03/07/2024

It is hard to come up with the proper words to accurately reflect the void you will leave, Poncho, both within the agency and within the hearts of those that loved you. From the day I watched you unite with your handler in Indiana, I knew you two would make a remarkable K-9 team. Deputy Prahl, I am grateful to have had the opportunity and privilege to have worked a dog alongside you and Poncho for the last nearly 7 years. Poncho, rest easy buddy, we'll never forget you.

~Sgt Inv Steckbauer & K-9 Nina

We are deeply saddened to report that K9 Poncho, after finishing what would be his final shift Monday night, passed away from natural causes peacefully in his sleep early on Tuesday morning.

K9 Poncho was a 10 year old German Shepherd born in Hungary and trained at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Indiana. He was certified in narcotics detection, officer protection, building searches, human tracking, and criminal apprehension. He served Lincoln County since 2017 and had only 6 shifts remaining before he was due to officially retire on 03/15/24.

During his time with Lincoln County K9 Poncho proved to be a valuable asset in our Patrol Division as well as on our Special Response (SWAT) Team and as a community relations ambassador. He will be greatly missed and not easily replaced.

We ask that you please keep K9 Poncho, his handler Deputy Prahl, and the Prahl family (with whom Poncho lived) in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you, Poncho, for your loyalty and dedicated service to us and to the Lincoln County community. May you rest in peace and continue to watch over and protect us.

K9 Poncho
End Of Watch: 03.05.24

02/08/2024

K-9 Poncho turned 10 years old today. Happy Birthday big guy!

09/02/2023

Last week at Gazebo Nights at Normal Park, the Sheriff's Office and Merrill Police Department's K-9 funds were chosen to receive the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle. Each agency was presented a check for $410 by Marlene Graap, who had the idea to support our K-9's. Thank you Marlene and thank you to all those that participated in the raffle, especially the winner who chose to donate back some of the winnings.

08/26/2023

Recently, all four K-9's within Lincoln County received an IFAK (Individual First-Aid Kit). The contents of these kits provide critical life-saving supplies in a versatile, compact carrying case that the handlers can quickly grab before deploying with their K-9 partner. We'd like to extend our sincere gratitude to Donna Morgan and Wisconsin Vest-A-Dog, who made it a goal to provide these kits (as well as protective ballistic vests), for all K-9's in the state. We are forever grateful!

08/09/2023

K-9 Poncho is feeling like a brand new dog after a wash n' dry, compliments of Muddy Paws Dog Wash . Thanks again!

07/17/2023

We are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of recently retired MPD K9 Eros. We offer our sincere condolences to Lt Drabek and his family for the loss of one of their loved ones. May you rest in peace, Eros, and enjoy endless amounts of treats and toys🐾💙

Yesterday, Eros, the first K9 officer of the Merrill PD and loyal family member of the Drabek's passed away unexpectedly at home. Eros was over 11 years old and had recently had some complications discovered at a veterinary appointment. Sadly, nobody expected those complications would result in his passing just a couple of days later.

Eros lived a great life of service doing what he loved for an extended period, followed by an unfortunately short-lived retirement. He lived with a loving family who treated him as their own and not merely as a tool used to serve the citizens. He was indeed a man's best friend and probably quite a bit more. We offer our sincere condolences to the Drabek family and the citizens Eros' life touched.

Rest in peace big guy. We will take it from here.~ MPD

05/10/2023

Happy German Shepherd Day to our two very own!