Cookeville Police K9 Ruger has served since 2011. The department celebrated his retirement Monday.
Lt. Det. Bobby Anderson said the Ruger will enjoy his retirement.
“The dog gets to retire with the handler, and live a life of solitude at the house,” Anderson said.
Plans are already in the works to replace Ruger. Anderson said the job has to be posted and once a handler is chosen, they’ll be matched with a dog and go for training.
“It’s my understanding we have a vendor who will actually train the dogs, the K9 goes through a 10-12 week training prior to the 4 week training that the handler is paired up with the dog,” Anderson said.
That leaves Cookeville with four K9 officers and their handlers.