K9 units retire after nearly 20 years of service
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IDAHO FAllS- After nearly 20 years of combined service two K9 officers, will retire from the Idaho Falls Police Department and the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
A small celebration will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 2 p.m. at the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue building at 2365 Hemmert, where human officers and K9s will receive plaques for their service according to Police Spokeswoman Joelyn Hansen.
K9 Zeke is an 11‐year‐old Belgian Malinois handled by Idaho Falls Officer Jeanette Johnson. Zeke, a dual-purpose dog trained in explosive detection and apprehending criminals, started his service with the Idaho Falls Police Department in 2006.
“I wouldn’t have traded any of it,” Johnson said in a press release. “It made the job more enjoyable, and I always knew I had my backup partner with me.”
K9 Bart is an 12‐year‐old Belgian Malinois handled by Bonneville County Sgt. Chris Smith. Bart has served since 2005. He is also a dual‐purpose dog, and is trained in narcotic detection and criminal apprehension for the sheriff’s office. Smith will also be stepping down from the K9 Division following the retirement of Bart. Smith also served a total of 10 years with the division.
“Both K9s have played an important role in our agencies,” said Idaho Falls Police Patrol Capt. Royce Clements in the press release. “They’ve been excellent in helping us find and detect drugs or explosives, apprehend criminals and improve our overall officer safety.”