Police hold memorial send-off for K9 Mack

NEBRASKA CITY – Nebraska City police held a memorial service Tuesday for K9 officer Mack that included a procession down Central Avenue.

Mack joined Sgt. Chris Richardson following a 2020 donation from the Nebraska City merchants, who gave 5 percent of their sales over three days.

Private donations allowed the department to purchase the Belgian Malinois out of Slovakia for $10,000  and provide $8,000 for additional training.

Richardson, who adopted Mack after his retirement, said he never had a regular expense for Mack that was not provided by supporters.

At the memorial Tuesday, Richardson said Mack had over 3,000 hours training on the job over 5 ½ years. He had 358 deployments and assisted nine different agencies.

Sgt. Chris Richardson, who has three decades of military experience and over 26 years as a state trooper and Nebraska City police officer, earlier told News Channel Nebraska that his time with Mack was a highlight of his career.

Besides companionship, Mack was certified in narcotics, apprehension, evidence recovery and tracking.

Mack also helped testify before the state Legislature in 2024.

Mack and Sgt. Richardson, a paramedic,  testified on behalf of legislation that would allow K9s to receive critical medical care.

Former state Sen. Julie Slama said the legislation underscores the state’s dedication to providing assistance to every aspect of law enforcement.

K9 Alex is named in honor of Iraq War veteran Cpl. Matthew Alexander, who died in action in 2007.