Retired Muskogee K-9 Officer Laid To Rest

The Muskogee Police department will lay to rest one of its retired K-9 officers Monday. 

K-9 Officer Duke, Badge #576, served with the Muskogee Police Department and also the MPD's Special Operations Team. 

Duke, who was a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, began his career with MPD in 2011 and retired September 28, 2015, due to medical issues, according to Muskogee Police. 

Duke worked with three handlers during his time with MPD: Officer James Hamlin from 2011-2012, Officer Troy Buller from 2012-2013, and finally Sergeant Chris Dean from 2013 until his retirement.

Duke was responsible for drug apprehensions in the hundreds and numerous drug seizures while he served with Muskogee Police, including countless apprehensions while working as a patrol K-9.

After Duke’s retirement in 2015 he was purchased back from the city by Sergeant Dean where he has stayed to enjoy his final days, Muskogee Police said. 

"All of us at the Muskogee Police Department want to thank Duke for his years of service to us, and the citizen’s of Muskogee. His drive, focus, and willingness to achieve are what all of us strive for every day," Muskogee Police said. "Duke will be sorely missed by his Police Department family, and more importantly his family he has spent his last days with. To them, and to us, these are more than just dogs. They are part of our family. Thank you, Duke, for everything you have done, you will be missed."