K-9 Hickson retires after 5 years of service

Credit: The Roanoke Police Department (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The Roanoke Police Department announced Monday the retirement of K-9 Hickson, a 10-year-old Bouvier-Milionis mix that is dual trained in narcotics detection, patrol and tracking.

Officers say he is retiring primarily due to health issues.

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K-9 Hickson began his police career with the Montgomery County VA Sheriff's Office, before arriving at the Roanoke Police Department on December 5th, 2010.

He was partnered with K-9 Officer Alex Goad. Over the last five years this highly motivated K-9 Team patrolled the Star City.

They are credited with successfully certifying ever year in narcotics detection and patrol through the Virginia Police Work Dog and the North America Police Dog Associations. K-9 Hickson has been called upon to assist area local, state and federal agencies on numbers assignments ranging from public demonstrations, narcotic searches, and tracking wanted and violent offenders with great success.

K-9 Hickson's work has resulted in the seizure of 73 pounds of marijuana, 51 ounces of cocaine, 3 ounces of methamphetamine, 4 ounces of heroin, and $90,693 in alleged drug money.

We wish K-9 Hickson well on his retirement as he will now enjoy a life of happiness with K-9 Officer Alex Goad as his personal family pet!