Beloved K-9 with Racine Police Department dies

RACINE-Heavy hearts in the Racine Police Department Monday as word spread that a loyal narcotics K-9 named Marco had lost his battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer.

In announcing the dog's passing, the department said the painful decision to put the dog down had only been made hours earlier.

Public Information Officer Lt. Dave Wohlgemuth issued a press release that said in part:

\"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of recently retired K-9 Marco. An aggressive lung cancer was discovered and Marco had to be put down this morning. We are so thankful for the support of the community who donated towards Marco’s emergency surgery earlier this spring. He was loved by our community and was a beloved member of our department.\"

Marco joined the department in 2005. Not only was he an effective partner in narcotics investgiations resulting in arrests, but he had become a best friend to  Officer Tim Waystedt.