Whitewater Police Department welcomes newest K-9 officer

The Whitewater Police Department will officially swear in their newest canine officer, Ruso, on June 6th.

Ruso will be accompanied by his handler Justin Stuppy. 

The City of Whitewater’s Police Department’s K-9 program focuses on drug detection but will now also incorporate tracking. With the retirement of canine officer Boomer in January, having a new canine allows for the department to train in both these techniques.

Ruso, a high energy, 28-month-old male Labrador retriever from Mexico was chosen as the new K-9 officer. Ruso graduated from Little Rock K9 Academy after months of training.

“Ruso will be a great addition to the team,” said Police Chief Lisa Otterbacher. “I am sure the community will fall in love with Ruso. He is as sweet as can be, but also trained hard and ready to get to work.”