WHEELING, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A special member of the Wheeling Police Department officially retired from active duty last week, as the Wheeling PD celebrated the service of K9 Zero.
K9 Zero’s retirement announcement came after five years of service with the Wheeling Police Department, and his official last day of service was Wednesday, November 29, 2023, after having joined the department all the way back in April of 2018.
Zero, a Belgian Malinois, was born on December 12, 2014, and received training in tracking, apprehension and narcotics detection. His purchase and training was facilitated through a donation from the Fitzsimmons Foundation of Wheeling.
K9 Zero’s handler, Sgt. Jason Hupp, praised the K9s efforts in performing his duties and protecting the citizens of Wheeling, but reiterates that it is the right time to retire.
“Zero was a good protector of the city, a fun-loving dog and a hard worker,” Sgt. Hupp declared. “He is a reliable partner, but he is now 9 years old and ready to retire.”
Zero was honored by fellow department members on Tuesday when he was presented with a plaque during a celebration ceremony. Wheeling Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger noted Zero’s admirable work ethic and extensive service to the community.
“I’ll never forget the first time I met Zero. I don’t believe I had witness discipline in a working dog as much as I did that day,” said the Chief during the ceremony. “Zero has been more than a working dog, he has been a proud member of the WPD and deserves every bit of the accolades he is receiving here today.”
K9 Zero’s replacement at the department has reportedly yet to be determined, and the Wheeling PD currently utilizes three other K9s on staff – Ozzy, Virgil, and Jericho.
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