Though years and experience separate two Mikes serving the La Vergne Police Department, they are possibly the two toughest cops in the city. Chief Mike Walker swore in a new police officer, Mike the K9, on Tuesday, during the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting at City Hall.

After getting budget approval, Chief Walker set out to find the perfect police dog for the city. He learned about an available male Belgian Malinois named Mike that shared his same birthday, “I think it is a sign that he was meant to be here! He certainly has more energy than me, but in dog years, he's 21 and I'm 420!”

Officer Lewis Powell was selected to partner with Mike following a stringent application process that included physical agility testing. The two trained together in patrol and narcotics. Mike is the only K9 officer in the city, following the retirement of Kash nearly two years ago.

The K9 officer will play an important part in continuing to reduce crime in the city.  The crime rate in 2012 was at its lowest level in 10-years according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Chief Walker said, “Mike is patrol and narcotics trained. He is very social unless he is told not to be, and then he'll eat you up!”

Mayor Senna Mosley added, “From what I am hearing Little Mike has Chief Mike’s personality. He is good hearted and kind, but tough on the criminals!”