Johns Creek has lost one of its beloved and furry defenders to retirement.
K-9 Leo, who is 9-years-old, will trade in his Johns Creek police badge for the life of big yards, bones and naps.
Leo has been with the Johns Creek Police Department for seven years, but will retire a bit early due to arthritis and dysplasia developing in his hips. His last day of duty was Wednesday.
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His handler, Officer William Goins, will take him in. Goins has been with Johns Creek Police for eight years. He says that running and jumping have become difficult tasks for Leo because of the pain it causes. Goins and his family will care for Leo in their home.
According to Goins, Leo was trained and certified in narcotics detection and had a nose for sniffing out marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other drugs. He was also used for tracking, handler protection, apprehension and searching for suspects.
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“I’m fairly sure that my wife and kids wouldn’t let me in the door without him at this point,” Goins said. “(For the past seven years) K-9 Leo spent every single day, all day, with me. Considering the fact that he has come home with me after each shift, I’ve probably spent more time with him than I have most people in my life.”
The department will host a retirement ceremony for Leo in the coming weeks.
“I’m happy to know that he will be able to relax for his remaining years but I know it will be difficult to leave him at home for both of us,” Goins said.
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