(La Vergne, Tenn.) On Thursday afternoon, the LaVergne Police Department held a special retirement celebration for one of their beloved officers. The retirement ceremony was at the La Vergne City Hall. But the officer who retired was not your typical badge and uniform wearing officer…It was a K9 officer named Mike, who joined the department in 2013 when he was about three years old.

Today, 12-year-old Mike took that leap into retirement and the LPD reported that it is well-deserved. After Thursday’s ceremony, Mike headed home with his long-time partner, also known as his handler, Sgt. Lewis Powell. Mike will live-out his years with Sgt. Powell and his family.

Sgt. Powell stated, “Mike has been an amazing partner and always had my back no matter what situation we were called to.” He further commented, “He will be truly missed at work and in the back of my patrol car.”

Since joining the department, Mike has been credited with 15 apprehensions and multiple finds when tracking. He has helped recover more than 73 pounds of marijuana, more than 5,000 pills, and half a pound of meth and heroin.

LaVergne Police Chief Burrel "Chip" Davis has assigned Sgt. Powell a new K9 that will join the department in late September. That new K9 will be officially sworn in later this year.

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