K-9 Cerko, a German Shepherd, was assigned to Officer Ken Pabelick in the spring of 1994.  When acquired, Cerko did not even know how to bark as a young dog. It was noticed that he would do almost anything for his kong, so he was trained in narcotics, using his Kong as a reward.

Throughout Cerko’s career, he responded to hundreds of fights and altercations.  He has done narcotic searches in every nook and cranny of the House of Correction.  Inmates were tested and 9 times out of 10 it would come back positive based on Cerko’s indications. 

In early August, 2003, Cerko was diagnosed with spleen cancer and had it removed. Biopsy results showed it was malignant. On October 22, 2003, while at recertification at Steinig Tal Kennels, Cerko assisted the Mayville Police Department in a narcotics search of the area high schools. Cerko had the drive to do it, but physically he could not. On October 23rd, 2003, the difficult decision was made to put Cerko to rest. The cancer had spread to his lungs and he was suffocating.

Milwaukee County truly appreciated the service of K-9 Cerko.
To the end, he did what he was trained to do:
Serve and Protect the community.