The Whitewater Police Department on July 27 announced the passing of K-9 officer Ruso.
According to a news release, Ruso recently developed a kidney issue and underwent a common surgery earlier last week. After further monitoring, it was discovered his kidneys still were not performing as expected. Sadly, Ruso took a turn for the worse on July 26 and passed away the following morning.
Ruso officially was sworn in to the department June 6, 2017, at a common council meeting.
He was a high-energy, 3-year-old Labrador retriever from Mexico. Ruso graduated from Little Rock K-9 Academy after months of training. The well-respected kennel has received high marks for its K-9 dogs and training program.
He worked and lived with his handler, officer Justin Stuppy, who began his career as a Whitewater community service officer April 15, 2013. On March 9, 2015, Stuppy was promoted to patrol officer and currently serves on the night shift.
“Although young, Ruso worked hard to keep the community safe,” Police Chief Aaron Raap said in the news release. “He was continuing to excel in search trainings at our local schools and made appearances at many city events, including the recent Fourth of July parade. Ruso was a very loving and hardworking K-9 officer and will be missed by the Whitewater police team and community.”
Stuppy is a 2017 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduate with a major in Letters and Sciences and a focus on criminal justice. He is a member of the Crime Prevention Team, assists training new Community Service officers and with the Whitewater Volunteer Cadet Program. He was the president of the UW-Whitewater campus student organization Law Enforcement Organization LEO.
Eric Lang and Mary Horing, of M.E. & My Pets, have covered the cost of food for Ruso, while Dr. Mike Newell, of the Animal Medical Center of Whitewater, covering his annual medical care. Other fundraisers and donations helped cover the expenses of maintaining the K-9 Unit’s needs.
The Run, Golf, Ride fundraiser, which already had been scheduled for July 28, was held in Ruso’s honor and memory, with funds still going toward the K-9 Unit in hopes the department will swear in a new canine officer in the future.
To make a donation or purchase a K-9 T-shirt in Ruso’s memory, area residents may visit the Whitewater K-9 or Whitewater Police Department Facebook pages, the City of Whitewater website or stop at the department, 312 W. Whitewater St.
