Oakview Veterinary Medical Center has proudly supported the Portage County K9 Unit Program since its inception in 1991.  The K9 Unit Program is an invaluable addition to the Sheriff's Department.  Not only is the K9 unit a partner for his handler, but he is an intergral part of police work involving search and resuce operations, drug detection and law enforcement. 

The majority of funding for the Portage County K9 Unit Program is through donations.  To learn more about the program or to donate please visit their website at www.co.portage.wi.us/sheriff.  You can find the K9 Unit Program under the Operations Division tab, special units.

Sheriff's Deputy Daniel Wachowiak is pictured with the current Portage County K9 Unit, Baco.  Baco joined the Portage County Sheriff's Department in May of 2010.  He is a 4 yr. old Belgian Malinois and his country of origin is the Netherlands.  He was trained in Indiana by Vohne Liche Kennels.

Baco is a dual purpose patrol dog. This means he has been trained for:

• Narcotics detection
• Building clearing, article search and tracking  

The Belgian Malinois breed belongs to the herding group of dogs and has been reconized by the AKC since 1959.  It can be mistaken for the German Shephard Dog, but the Belgian Malinois is a lighter build. For more detailed information about the breed and its history please visit the American Kennel Club (AKC) website at www.AKC.org/breeds/belgian_melinois