Elk Grove Village Police retire K9 Uber after a decade of service

Elk Grove Village Police K9 Uber retired on Friday, Sept. 18, after completing more than 800 deployments over a decade of service, journal-topics.com reported. During his career, the canine assisted more than 30 local, state, and federal agencies while working alongside his handler, Officer Kevin Wsol.

Ten Years of Service and Eight Hundred Deployments

Uber’s decade-long career included apprehending nearly 50 felony offenders and tracking missing persons. Police records show the canine also seized more than $400,000 in narcotics currency while recovering weapons, stolen property, and narcotics. Alongside his operational deployments, Uber participated in hundreds of community demonstrations and public events. Elk Grove Village police issued a statement praising the animal’s loyalty and contributions. We thank his handler Officer Wsol and K9 Uber for their partnership and commitment to the people of Elk Grove Village over the past decade, the department said.

Retirement Plans and the Transition to New K9 Nova

Following standard department protocol, retired police dogs live out their remaining days as household pets after their handlers purchase them for a nominal fee. Uber joins K9 Mack, another Elk Grove Village police dog who retired earlier in April. Meanwhile, the department has already brought in a successor. A new K9, 2-year-old Nova, and her handler, Officer Chase Ori, hit village streets on third shift in June. Nova was born in the Netherlands and underwent a six-week training program at Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana beginning in May. Deputy Elk Grove Village Police Chief Scott Eisenmenger stated that the total cost paid to Vohne Liche was $19,000, which covered both the dog and the initial training.

Village Board Recognition Scheduled for October

Officer Wsol and Uber are scheduled to receive formal recognition at the upcoming village board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13. At his retirement on Sept. 18, the department presented Uber with a plaque for his badge and a new toy to mark the occasion. Congratulations, K9 Uber! police said in their public statement. We thank him for his dedicated service, loyalty, and courage, and we wish him a long, healthy, and happy retirement.