Heroic K-9 Retires After 8 Years of Service, Survives Bullet Wound for Owner

Heroic K-9 Retires After 8 Years of Service, Survives Bullet Wound for Owner
Image Via: ABC News

In Indiana on Tuesday, authorities claimed, a police dog that served for over eight years and even took a bullet for his handler was given a formal retirement ceremony.

According to a statement from the Indiana State Police, Apache received “all his favorite things from his favorite people” on Tuesday at his full retirement ceremony. Apache has been a member of a K-9 unit with his partner Trooper Walter Butt since September 2016.

“In a fun ceremony with his favorite people, Indiana State Police K9 Apache retired from duty. He will enjoy retirement as a family pet with his lifelong partner Trooper Walter Butt,” according to the statement. “In 2017 Apache stepped in front of his handler and took a bullet to the neck during an officer involved shooting. The suspect was apprehended, Apache fully recovered and returned to work 3 weeks later.”

Apache assisted in the seizure of 167 firearms, 1.6 million dollars in drug money, and 954.28 pounds of illegal drugs over his more than eight years of service with Trooper Butt of the Indiana State Police.

During his tenure on the force, he bit seven individuals and arrested 84 criminals, according to the authorities. He also accompanied police on 77 civil cases.

The Indiana State Police reported that Apache was involved in the seizure of 302.99 pounds of methamphetamine, 5.56 pounds of cocaine, 3.19 pounds of ecstasy, 3.58 pounds of heroin, 587.33 pounds of marijuana, and 51.53 pounds of other unlisted substances.

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Authorities said that Apache also completed 196 warrant services, 14 school searches, 42 building searches, 843 traffic stop vehicle sniffs with 561 associated arrests from the stops, recovered 167 guns, and recorded 84 criminal apprehensions, of which 77 were done civilly and 7 by bite.

On Tuesday, Apache received his last 10-42, a signal that his tour of service is coming to an end.

“Apache will now enjoy his retirement at home with the Butt family,” police stated. “Thank you for your service Apache!”

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