Brookhaven K-9 retires after career of catching murder suspects, finding drugs

A Brookhaven police dog recently traded in his badge for a collar and squeaky toy.

Dano, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, retired Dec. 8 from the Brookhaven Police Department after seven years on the job, according to a news release. Dano will still be surrounded by cops in retirement, since he lives with K-9 Officer John Ritch, his breeder, and his family.

The department said Dano helped seize nearly $670,000 in cash and intercept more than $4.7 million in narcotics during his career.

Brookhaven K9 Dano helped intercept roughly 100 pounds of narcotics during a bust.

He’s also credited with assisting in more than 150 arrests, including a murder suspect in 2016. David Rey Garcia-Mendoza shot and killed a taxi driver in neighboring Chamblee, but Dano was able to track him down within 30 minutes. Garcia-Mendoza was convicted and is serving a life sentence.

Dano worked alongside Sgt. David Fikes and received certifications in narcotics detection, tracking and criminal apprehension during his time with the department.

“Always a sucker for a belly-rub or a hug, Dano was loving and affectionate towards members of the public of all ages, and he is — by far — still the most popular officer on our social media accounts,” the release said.