MUSKEGO, Wis. — Muskego Police Department’s school resource K9 is making an impact on high schoolers in the area.
School resource officers are common in many schools across Wisconsin. In Muskego, they’ve recently added to their team with K9 Tito serving the high school for the past year.
Tito is unique in the state of Wisconsin and is one of few across the country with his type of certifications.
Since Jan. 2024, Tito has joined forces with School Resource Officer, Chris Kristalidis. The team serves the community at Muskego High School.
Tito is a pure bread golden retriever. He is a certified therapy dog and is also certified in narcotics detection.
Officer Kristalidis said they have plans to also get Tito certified in firearm detection in the near future to help keep their schools safe.
“It’s been really big,” Kristalidis said. “We are the only district that we are aware of in the state that employs a facility dog that is more than just the touchy feely, type dog, where you have those enhanced capabilities with detection.”
His role as a facility and therapy dog is big at the school. During passing periods, Tito and Officer Kristalidis hang out for some meet and greet time with students.
Officer Kristalidis said this is a great time to build relationships with students as an officer and bring some positivity to the kids’ days.
“He’s really just a huge asset for building those connections with students,” Kristalidis said.
Kristalidis said Tito has been deployed multiple times in the year they have been there for drug sweeps of the school.
Superintendent Todd Irvine said having an extra level of security for students is important.
He said he’s seen the impact Tito has made on the school and the students in just a short amount of time.
“Thinking about a dog that could help keep our community safe, and then also build strong connections and partnerships with students and families was a great idea right from the get-go,” Irvine said.
Many students smile as they pet Tito, and he has a smile on his face as well. He is an expert at his job and is fitting in seamlessly at the school.
“We don’t really have a mascot here, but he is kind of the unofficial mascot of Muskego High School,” Kristalidis said.
