Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
UTOS
Leader Photo by Grace Kirchner Law enforcement and emergency personnel attend a memorial service Saturday for the Marion Police Department K-9 Utos.
Leader Photo by Grace Kirchner Utos lived with, from left, Marion Police Department Officer Eric Krause, left, his son, Christopher, and his wife, Jennifer. Daughter Emily is not shown. “This is the first pet that our children have lost,” Jennifer Krause said.
Utos wasn’t just a dog. He was everybody’s dog in Marion.
The love for Utos, a Marion Police Department K-9 member who died on Dec. 23 due to a genetic heart condition, was evident Saturday when about 150 people gathered for a memorial service, funeral procession and reception.
People lined the streets to show support for Utos, Officer Eric Krause and his family, and the Police Department. Representatives of the State Patrol, several police departments and emergency personnel participated in the procession from the the Appleton Animal Referral Center to Main Street in Marion and then to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
“Our city couldn’t ask for a better K-9,” said Police Chief Kevin Schultz, who commended Krause for the work he and his family did caring for Utos.
Utos and Krause became a certified K-9 team in 2012 and worked together until Dec. 23. Utos was trained in narcotics detection, handler protection and tracking. He was very successful in locating drugs, assisting in apprehending criminals, and locating missing children. During his final shift, Utos aided in locating a suspect who was wanted for attempted homicide.
“Utos was always ready for work,” Krause said. “He did a lot for this community.”
“When Utos passed, away my first thought was, what are we going to do,” Schultz said. “I wanted to do something for him. He did a lot for this small community. Everyone has a connection with him.
“Utos was never shy or quiet. He let you know where he was. He was loved, but he wanted you to get away from his squad car.”
Schultz recalled how Utos was able to locate a 10-year-old with disabilities who ran away from school and was in a nearby corn field.
“The kids loved him. They didn’t always remember my name, but they knew his,” Schultz said. “At the elementary third-grade career fair, Eric (Krause) and Utos always received the most questions.”
Former Police Chief Chris Hughes initiated the effort to bring a K-9 unit to Marion. The program was paid for through fundraising within the community.
Schultz said the department will begin fundraising for another K-9, which Krause and his family have agreed to welcome into their home.