MPPD Appoints First Female K9 Handler in Racine County

Officer Nicole Knierim has just been appointed to her dream job; she is the Mount Pleasant Police Department's newest K9 handler and the first female K9 handler in Racine County.

"It's exciting because this was my dream when I first joined the force 11 years ago," she said during an interview with Patch Wednesday. "I like the thrill and the adventure."

Knierim also loves animals with two boxers at home, she said, so serving as an MPPD K9 handler makes her proud and happy.

As for how she feels to be the first female handler in Racine County, Knierim said she's happy to blaze that trail because she hopes her position is an inspiration to girls in the community.

"I work at Case High School sometimes, and I talk with students there who ask about being a police officer, and I hope this inspires some of them a little more to go for it," she said. 

Mount Pleasant Police Chief Tim Zarzecki said three officers submitted applications for the K9 opening, and Knierim got the job because she not only has the most seniority, but because of how her fellow officers see her, too.

"Officer Knierim was chosen for her excellent work ethic and standing in the department," he said. "We are proud to have the first female K9 handler, but that's not why she was chosen. She's very deserving of this appointment."

Knierim's training officer was a K9 handler so she gained a little bit of experience when she was rookie so she's looking forward to getting fully into the role she and her K9 partner will play. 

"I think it will be exciting to participate in drug work and help with general law enforcement," she noted.

The new dog and the costs associated with the training so the new partners can bond and learn together come to about $30,000. An anonymous donation given to the village a few years ago will cover the costs without impacting the village's bottom line.

Zarzecki said if he had three dogs, he would have appointed all three applicant officers.

"We had a really great group go out for this opportunity," he noted. "I wish I had three K9 officers because all three of these officers would succeed."

Knierim will spend about six weeks in North Carolina in training with her new partner, whom she has yet to meet.

"I don't know if I'm getting a male or a female, but I'm looking forward to bonding and working with the dog," she added. "It's a mix of excited and nervous."