Pleasant Prairie Police Department

2004 New Releases Archive

09/2/2004 | Pleasant Prairie Police K-9 Astor Retires
(PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI) Kids loved him, cops respected him, and criminals feared him. On duty since 1998, the beloved Pleasant Prairie Police K-9 "Astor" was retired from duty Tuesday due to medical reasons by Pleasant Prairie Police Chief Brian Wagner.

Astor an eight-year old Belgian Malinois has been with the department for six years. Since April 2001, Officer Steve McKinnon and Astor have teamed up to work the second shift in Pleasant Prairie. Astor, a dual-purpose canine was trained in both narcotics detection and as a police work dog. Over the years Astor has been used in countless searches for narcotics, missing persons, and suspects resulting in numerous arrests and convictions.

In 1999, the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handlers Association in Fond du Lac named Astor and his then handler Captain Timothy Becker the Wisconsin Rookie Team of the Year. In 2002, Astor and Officer McKinnon won a silver medal at the Midwest Fire and Police Games in Milwaukee.

Astor was a crowd favorite at area schools, community events, and with local residents. On many occasions Officer McKinnon would demonstrate Astor's ability to locate illegal narcotics, find lost items or persons, and if needed take down a felony suspect at these events.

Recently Officer McKinnon noticed a problem with Astor and sought medical treatment. Astor was subsequently diagnosed with cancer. During surgery on Monday it was learned the condition was much worse than expected. As a result, Chief Wagner retired Astor who will continue to live with Officer McKinnon and his family.

"As a department, we are all saddened at the loss of Astor," said Wagner. "When we learned of his condition we were optimistic that he would return to duty, however his condition makes that impossible." Astor was a valuable law enforcement tool used to assist our officers on the street. In addition other area departments would often call on Astor to assist on cases.

The Pleasant Prairie K-9 unit was formed with funds generously donated by local residents and businesses. "We are hoping to have the funds to replace Astor in the near future, to continue to provide the quality law enforcement protection our residents and business owners have come to know and expect from our department" said Wagner.

An archived copy of this and other Pleasant Prairie Police Department news releases is available along with a photo of Officer McKinnon and Astor on the departments website at www.pppd.info on the K-9 page.

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