Byline: PHYLLIS SIDES The (Racine) Journal Times
RACINE -- There was an unusual retirement party Thursday at the Racine County Sheriff's Department. It was the last day of work for Dax, the K-9 unit's dog.
It was also the day his replacement, Gingiss, and his handler, Deputy Dave Coughlin, were officially introduced to the public. Dax, a 9-year-old German shepherd, joined the department in 1999.
He and his handler, Deputy Kyle Poelman, both received retirement certificates. Dax's certificate recognized his retirement from the department, and Poelman's recognized his retirement as the department's K-9 officer and return to regular duty. Sheriff Robert Carlson said Poelman and Dax had 'made our jobs safer being the department's K-9 Corps the past seven years. He's located people and drugs.'
Although the department doesn't have a mandatory retirement age for its canine employees, Dax has a few health problems, Poelman said.
'He'd continue working if his health was better. He's got some joint issues,' Poelman said. Dax will continue living with Poelman and his family.
He will spend his retirement relaxing in the backyard, Poelman said. Gingiss, like Dax, also is trained in narcotics and criminal tracking and his duties will be the same, Carlson said. Gingiss also is trained for building and area searches, Coughlin said.
'When it comes to finding someone he doesn't know the difference between a good person or a bad person,' Coughlin said. Gingiss, a Belgian Malinois, has been with the department since July 2005. He was born in Holland in August 2003 and was brought to the United States in March 2005. Coughlin and Gingiss were trained at the Southern Police Canine training facility in North Carolina.
Gingiss was obtained through the generosity an anonymous donor. His food is provided by a donation from Crime Stoppers of Racine County Inc. When Gingiss isn't on duty, he will live with Coughlin and his family.
CAPTION(S):
Photos by Gregory Shaver - The (Racine) Journal Times
Dax and his handler, Deputy Kyle Poelman, leave the Racine County Sheriff's Department Thursday after officially announcing the 9-year-old German shepherd's retirement from the force.
Not interested in a gold watch, Dax is happy with a pat on the head as his crime-fighting career comes to a close.
