K-9 Nemo retires from Lee County Sheriff’s Office

DIXON – Lee County K-9 Nemo is retiring from service, Lee County Sheriff Clay Whelan has announced.

K-9 Nemo, a Dutch shepherd that is almost 8 years old, began his career in May 2019. His last day was Tuesday.

Nemo and his first handler, Cpl. Josh Coward, graduated from a six-week utility K-9 and narcotics detection course in Michigan and got right to work, Whelan said. Nemo found narcotics during a traffic stop on his first shift, which was the first of many arrests.

Nemo’s second handler, Cpl. Nate Hollinger, took over in 2021. Over the course of Nemo’s six-year career, he made a significant impact on the community. Nemo and both of his handlers have been instrumental in seizing narcotics while also searching for and apprehending suspects.

Nemo has routinely demonstrated his skill and dedication at numerous public events and area school visits. In his career, he has assisted numerous law enforcement agencies while serving as an ambassador to the community and trusted partner to his handlers, Whelan said.

Nemo will enjoy his retirement days living with Hollinger.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office still has one dual-purpose dog on duty, K-9 Henry. K-9 Henry will be joined by a new K-9 recruit in the near future, Whelan said.