Wausau Police Department Celebrates Retirement of Officer and His K9 Partner

Friday, May 10th, 2024 -- 8:01 AM

The Wausau Police Department celebrates and bids farewell to two officers of the Wausau Police Department.

Officer Mark Kurtzhals #961 came to the Department in 1996, previously serving in Dunn County. Over the past 28 years he has served in various roles to include doing Commercial Vehicle Inspections, Field Training Officer, Motor Officer and ultimately becoming a K-9 Handler in 2017.

That's when he met his new partner, K-9 Rio #K11. They have served together since, having hundreds of deployments and making significant drug seizures. Both Mark and Rio start their next role, retirement.

They thank Mark for his dedicated service to the state these past 30 years. The Department hopes he and Rio enjoy some well-deserved relaxation in the next chapter of their lives.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.