K9 dogs are an invaluable part of any police department. Just like their human partners, these dogs dedicate their lives to keeping their communities safe and frequently help to save lives.
We should celebrate these dogs like we would any police officer — and one department recently did just that, throwing a party for one of their brave K9s as he retired from the service.
Bear, a German Shepherd, worked for the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, in Texas, for six years, beginning in 2015. He was originally named Moe, after a local Moe’s Southwest Grill restaurant donated $8,000 to help the department get the dog, according to the Abilene Reporter News.
In his time on the force, Bear demonstrated skills in many areas of the job, from finding missing people to drug enforcement.
“He’s done a lot of great work for the citizens and the county,” Sheriff Ricky Bishop told KTAB/KRBC. “In the last 3 years, bear has detected 12.3 grams of cocaine, 513 grams of marijuana, 11.1 grams of heroin and 2,900 grams of methamphetamine.”
He also said that Bear has helped track down missing people, including elderly people and children.
Bear also formed a special bond with his handler, Deputy Brandon Abbott. “He’s a tool to the department, but family to me,” Abbott told the Abilene Reporter News.
While Abbott will miss working alongside Bear on the job, the two will still see each other plenty: after retiring, Bear will still live with his former handler. “And at the end of the day, I get to keep him. So it’s not like I’m losing him,” Abbott said.
As this dedicated K9 said goodbye to the force, his colleagues gave him a sweet send-off, throwing him a retirement party. Fellow law enforcement officers applauded and pet Bear, who reportedly loved all the attention.
“Thank you for six years of faithful service to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Taylor County!” the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook.
Congratulations to K9 Bear on an incredible career! Wishing him a very happy, long retirement!
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