By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Centralia Police Department announced today the retirement of K-9 Lobo, after seven years with the city.
[1]Lobo
The German Shepherd is leaving the department as of the end of the month due to an unforeseen medical condition, according to a press release.
Lobo joined the department in June 2010 at age 1 and completed his certification that December. He is partnered with Officer Ruben Ramirez, a 16-year veteran of the department.
He will be honored at tomorrow’s Centralia City Council meeting. Tomorrow is deemed “Police K-9 Lobo Appreciation Day”, according to detective Patty Finch.
During his career, Lobo was deployed 197 times for various kinds of searches and tracking, making successful captures of people 84 times, according to Finch.
The police dog didn’t become certified to detect narcotics until May 2016, but has assisted in the seizure of approximately $100,000 in drug related cash, according to Finch. Lobo’s most notable “sniff” was 24 pounds of methamphetamine, concealed in a gas tank of a vehicle, Finch stated.
The police dog has participated in 24 public demonstrations throughout the community.
Finch states that while Lobo cannot be replaced, the department is seeking to purchase another K9 and appoint another K9 handler. Officer Ramirez is one of two who have applied, according to Finch.
The Centralia Police Department K-9 program is funded by donations from the public.