Winneshiek K-9 Deputy Retires

Retirement of Winneshiek County K-9 Deputy McCoy

In November of 2015 the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office’s former K9 deputy, Ricky, was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  He passed away just one week later.  Reading the story in the Waterloo Courier, Betty McCoy of Waterloo gave an unsolicited donation to cover the cost of purchasing a new dog.  Betty, who had no ties to Winneshiek County and was 89 years old at the time, died after a 4-year battle with cancer in January of 2016.  In her memory, the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office named the new canine, McCoy.

K9 Deputy McCoy, a Belgian Malinois was born on May 24, 2014, in the Slovak Republic. He then was transferred to a training facility in Arkansas before traveling to North Iowa K-9 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, where he met his handler, Deputy Steve Nesvik.  

K9 McCoy has been an active patrol dog from February of 2016 to July of 2025, finding narcotics, tracking, article recovery, and doing apprehension work.  McCoy especially enjoyed community programs through the years and showing his skills to kids around Winneshiek County.  

The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office gives a special thanks to everyone who have assisted with K9 McCoy along the way including:

The McCoy Family, North Iowa K-9, the American Legion Riders, LA Communications, Thorton Feed & Grain, Decorah Vet Clinic, Dogs for Law Enforcement, United States Police Canine Association, Code Blue K9 and numerous businesses, entities and individuals who have continued to support and donate to our K-9 fund throughout the years.  

K9 McCoy will enjoy his retirement/golden years with the Nesvik’s at his home in Calmar. The Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office will continue with just one K9 Unit being handled by Deputy Logan Hopp and K9 Drago.