DARLINGTON - Lafayette County Sheriff's Deputy Fred Norder and his K-9 partner Cody recently received a "Meritorious Tracking Award," for their efforts in assisting with the 2013 homicide investigation into the deaths of Dean, Gary and Chloe Thoreson.
The deputy K-9 team was nominated by City of Madison Police Sgt. Chris Boyd. Boyd also nominated K-9 units from Madison and Green County for their additional support in the homicide investigation. The award is given out annually by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handler's Association as well as other awards, such as: Handler of the Year, Rookie Handler of the Year, Meritorious Apprehension, Meritorious Track with Apprehension, Meritorious Narcotic Find and Meritorious Article Find.
The dog helped gather evidence in the case, finding seven articles of clothing in the space of about 1 1/4 miles. The clothing belonged to Jaren Kuester and was instrumental in convicting him of three charges of first-degree intentional homicide on Jan. 31. Kuester was sentenced to spend his life in the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison.
Cody is a Belgian Malinois and began his service with the sheriff's office in November 2009. Norder has been with the department since 1997 and has been Cody's handler since 2002. This marks the second time Norder has been awarded the Meritorious Tracking award. He and K-9 Riley received statewide recognition for their narcotics detection and tracking efforts in 2007.
Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley said in a news release that he is very proud of the success of the K-9 program and Deputy Norder's service.
"This award is another fine example of the continuing leadership role of the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office," Pedley said.
-Tom Holm
The deputy K-9 team was nominated by City of Madison Police Sgt. Chris Boyd. Boyd also nominated K-9 units from Madison and Green County for their additional support in the homicide investigation. The award is given out annually by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handler's Association as well as other awards, such as: Handler of the Year, Rookie Handler of the Year, Meritorious Apprehension, Meritorious Track with Apprehension, Meritorious Narcotic Find and Meritorious Article Find.
The dog helped gather evidence in the case, finding seven articles of clothing in the space of about 1 1/4 miles. The clothing belonged to Jaren Kuester and was instrumental in convicting him of three charges of first-degree intentional homicide on Jan. 31. Kuester was sentenced to spend his life in the Mendota Mental Health Institute in Madison.
Cody is a Belgian Malinois and began his service with the sheriff's office in November 2009. Norder has been with the department since 1997 and has been Cody's handler since 2002. This marks the second time Norder has been awarded the Meritorious Tracking award. He and K-9 Riley received statewide recognition for their narcotics detection and tracking efforts in 2007.
Lafayette County Sheriff Scott Pedley said in a news release that he is very proud of the success of the K-9 program and Deputy Norder's service.
"This award is another fine example of the continuing leadership role of the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office," Pedley said.
-Tom Holm