By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Centralia Police Chief Bob Berg announced the retirement earlier this week of Kayo the police dog, ending what the chief called a stellar nine year career.
[1]Kayo
The 10-year-old German Shepherd from Slovakia came to Centralia as a youngster, underwent basic canine training and was placed into service with his partner Officer Brian Warren in early 2006.
Berg said the decision for retirement came because of Kayo’s age, and because the time has come for him to relax and enjoy the remaining years of his life.
The K-9 will be declared “surplus” and sold to now-Sgt. Warren for $1, according to Berg.
In his December community newsletter issued on Monday, Berg wrote that Kayo has amassed quite a record.
Among the police service dog’s many accomplishments, Berg lists approximately 250 “deployments”, 91 arrest assists, 131 drug finds and 50 evidence recoveries.
Berg notes Officer Ruben Ramirez’s dog Lobo is still on the job and another handler and police service dog are expected to be selected this coming summer.
Kayo worked his last shift on Saturday.