A respected member of the Fort Mitchell Police Department retired this week.
K-9 Officer Tony is a German Shepard that gave seven years of hard work to the Fort Mitchell Police Department. He was the department’s first and only K-9 officer and worked alongside Officer and Specialist Shane Best.
LINK nky asked Specialist Best what it was like to work with Tony.
“It’s the best job in law enforcement,” Best said. “I get to go to work every day with my best friend.”
While with the Fort Mitchell Police Department, Tony was a “dual-purpose” K-9, which means that he served many roles. Tony tracked narcotics, people and articles of evidence and interest. He also occasionally apprehended people as directed by his handler.
Tony was a major public relations asset to the department as well. He participated in K-9 demonstrations at Touch-A-Truck events and even once visited a Michigan boy going through cancer treatment in Cincinnati.
Seven years ago, Best petitioned Fort Mitchell to pick up a K-9 officer. He raised money with the help of local businesses to support Tony’s purchase and training.
Policing can be a dangerous job for a dog, but fortunately Tony didn’t experience too much strife in his time with the force. He will be enjoying a peaceful retirement due to back issues.
Officer Tony and Best were both commended at the April 22, 2024 Fort Mitchell City Council meeting. Tony received a ceremonial “final call” over the Fort Mitchell police radio.
“You were a wonderful officer,” the voice over the radio said. “Be sure to request lots of belly rubs in your retirement.”