DeKalb K-9 retires with strong crime-fighting record
A DeKalb police dog is retiring after an impressive career with the force.
Luca, a 12-year-old German Shepherd K-9 officer, contributed to dozens of arrests and drug busts over the last five years.
Luca assisted with 75 arrests and helped seize $537,000 in cash, 60,000 grams of methamphetamine, 318,000 grams of cocaine, 10,211 ounces of marijuana and 11 pounds of heroin, according to DeKalb County.
“It’s rare that a dog can last as long on the job as Luca,” said Master Police Officer Jacqueline Huckabey, who is Luca’s handler. “She’s all about her job. That’s what she wants to do all the time.”
Luca will remain under the care of Huckabey, who is also retiring after nearly 30 years on the job.
About the Author
Mark Niesse is an enterprise reporter and covers elections and Georgia government for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is considered an expert on elections and voting. Before joining the AJC, he worked for The Associated Press in Atlanta, Honolulu and Montgomery, Alabama. He also reported for The Daily Report and The Santiago Times in Chile.
