The Westport Police Department says:
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the early retirement of police service Dog Koda, due to health concerns.
The 9-year old Belgian Malinois was imported from Hungary. He joined the department in February 2012.
At 18 months old, Koda completed a 10-week training course. He earned certification in narcotics detection, tracking, handler protection and criminal apprehension.
Since beginning his law enforcement career, Koda was partnered up with Officer James Loomer, who joined the department in February of 2010. Since then, they worked together full time in the patrol division.
Koda, with Officer James Loomer.
Loomer and Koda have responded to over 600 canine-related calls for service, in Westport and neighboring communities.
The Police Department will raise funds to purchase and train a new police service dog, to continue Koda’s impressive legacy.
The public is invited to a brief ceremony this Friday (December 13, 9:30 a.m.) in the classroom at police headquarters (50 Jesup Road).
What is going to happen to Koda? It doesn’t sound good! ☹️
Koda will be living a happy life with Officer Loomer.
That’s great news! 👍🏻❤️
The Chamber wishes Koda well. He and Officer Loomer were the lead team doing the Police K9 presentations at the Westport Dog Festival, a highlight of each of the events and a pleasure to work with.
Enjoy your time by the fire and hope the biscuits are plentiful.
my understanding is that most police k9s retire in the 8-10 year old range, usually closer to 8-9 years. i’d say anything beyond 8 is icing on the cake, so i guess they hoped the dog would be in the role longer? i hope that Koda is generally OK, just old age where he can’t keep up with the daily work, and can retire and live a relaxed life with her handler. my k9 was very active and at age 8, the vets said time to slow things down.
Hungarian dogs are the best!