Hero Police K-9 Retires After Impressive 8-Year Career

His name is Officer Apache, and he worked with his partner, Trooper Walter Butt, for more than 8 years.

Apache had been with the Illinois State Police Department since 2016, but he is now retired after one heck of a send-off.

It was a full retirement ceremony, where according to his former colleagues, “Apache received all his favorite things from his favorite people.”

Officer Apache may weigh less than 100 lbs., but that didn’t stop him from finding nine-times his body weight in narcotics over his career.

This good boy has quite the crime-fighting resume: Apache helped seize 954.28 pounds of illegal narcotics, 167 guns and 1.6 million dollars in drug money during his service. That’s a pretty dang good track record for someone who can’t even talk.

He might not be able to carry a gun, but he has some weapons in his mouth: His teeth. Apache bit seven suspects in his career to help subdue and take them into custody.

It was an emotional moment when Apache was given his final sendoff over the radio. In police speak, that is called the final 10-42. Apache got his on October 8.

What Happens to Police Dogs When They Retire?

After being by Trooper Butt’s backend for almost a decade, Apache gets to go home and live with the entire Butts family.

The pup has some war wounds as well from his tenure on the force: In 2017, Apache stepped in front of his handler and took a bullet to the neck during an officer-involved shooting.

But in true G.O.A.T. fashion, Apache was back at work in just 3 weeks after the incident, ready to protect and serve his community. The ultimate good boy.