Corporal

K-9 Dog to Retire After 4 Years in New Jersey Township

A former K-9 police dog is retiring due to medical issues after over four years on the job.

Maximus, a German shepherd commonly known as "Max," has spent the majority of his 5 1/2 years on the job alongside handler Cpl. Mark Pickard of the Gloucester Township Police Department.

His medical retirement comes after a diagnosis that could potentially jeopardize the safety of himself, the officers, or the citizens he has protected.

"I commend K-9 Max and Cpl. Pickard for their dedication and commitment to the Gloucester Township Police Department and to the community of Gloucester Township," said chief Harry Earle in a press release. "Their contributions to our crime fighting and community policing programs over the years will not be forgotten."

During his time with the GTPD, Max worked with the narcotics team, in addition to tracking, clearing buildings and other patrol duties. He joined the Patrol Bureau after attending his training academy in the spring of 2011.

Cpl. Pickard has worked with three other K-9s since becoming a handler in 1999 -- when the K-9 Unit first began. He has also worked with Andy, Hans and Schultz.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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