The Ripon Police Department is looking to get another Police K-9.

That’s to replace the recently retired K-9 Vitus, who had been with the department since 2019.

At Tuesday’s 6 p.m. monthly session, the Ripon City Council will discuss the purchase of a police dog, in the not to exceed amount of $25,254 with the on-going expense of $5,800 per year – expenses will come from the General Fund.

The K-9 unit is down to one dog in service in Argos, who is assigned to Officer Kyle Prather.

“The Ripon Police Department would like to replace Vitus with another Police K9 in order to have two active dogs in service,” said Chief of Police Daniel Sauer is his report.

He identified Officer Matthew Brodhag as a handler for the new K-9.

The dogs in the K-9 program are used in drug detection, tracking, suspect searches, and de-escalation, which, Sauer noted, “has proven to be a valuable resource for the department and the community.”

Local police have been in contact with a company in Germany, MM Dog Training, that has a suitable K-9 available – a 2-year-old German Shepherd named Jackpot, who has already been trained in obedience, tracking, protection work, and is currently being cross-trained in narcotic detection.

“Having a second dog will allow us to better serve and protect our community,” Sauer said.

If all goes accordingly, Jackpot could be ready and implemented into patrol service this November.

Elected leaders will look at this item and others at the meeting in the Council Chambers, 259 N. Wilma Ave.

For more meeting information, log on to www.cityofripon.org.