Young boy helps police dept. mourn loss of German Shepherd, “Cops”

Started a GoFundMe to help dept.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — A young boy with a big heart is helping the Green Bay Police Department deal with the loss of one of its police dogs. 

Four-year-old Cops died earlier this month after battling some serious medical issues. When 7-year-old Ethan Engum heard about the dog’s death, he decided to raise money to help the department pay for a new K9. 

Ethan started a GoFundMe page to raise the money and on Sunday he delivered a $520 check to the police department. 

Officer Derek Wicklund says Ethan’s effort rejuvenates a department that’s dealing with the dog’s death. Wicklund said it makes him want to come to work because it reflects the good in people, not just the bad. 

The dept. wrote on its Facebook page Aug. 23: 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of one of our own yesterday. Cops, one of our beloved canine officers passed away after battling serious medical issues over the past several months. Cops was the youngest of our 6 four-legged officers and started his career on March 10, 2014,in New Mexico, the first day of training with his new handler, Specialist II Fred Laitinen. It is never easy to say good bye to a friend and partner, but it is even harder when that day comes so much sooner than anticipated.

Canine handlers form a special bond with their canines, a bond that most of us, even their fellow police officers, will probably never fully understand. Our canine handlers do not just work with their furry partners, they live with them and they become a part of their family. They are with them 24/7. Cops was also a part of our extended GBPD police family and he will be missed here and by all who knew him.

10-42 Cops. End of Watch August 22, 2016.

Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace.

Ethan’s goal is to raise $12,000 for the department’s K9 program.