SAN ANTONIO - Two very important working dogs were honored Wednesday.
K-9 Officer Moka is retiring from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department after a career of sniffing drugs out of the Bexar County Jail and winning numerous competitions for working dogs.
The Bexar County Commissioners Court voted Wednesday to gift Moka to her trainer for just one dollar, saying it’s time for her to relax and enjoy life.
Sgt. Robert Rodriguez worked with Moka for many years, so he will be taking care of her in retirement.
Rodriguez said Moka has joint issues that have slowed her down, but he expects that she will have plenty of time to swim and play.
PHOTOS: Local police thanking K9 officers for serving community
Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said Moka has been an important asset to the county for years, so it is good to see that she will be able to enjoy her retirement.
Meanwhile, in the City of Live Oak, K-9 Officer Smokey was honored at a memorial service at the police department.
Smokey was retired in October because of medical issues, problems that claimed his life this week.
Smokey’s two-legged partners praised his lifetime of service, saying he was a versatile crime fighter and a good cop.
"He could protect his handler through patrol work. He was great at finding narcotics. He could also track and find articles, as well as lost people, and he was just an ambassador to the community. He loved people, and he loved kids. He was just a great all around cop," Lt. Matt Malone said.
Fighting to keep his composure, Smokey’s handler and partner, Officer Chris Morgan, called the loss one of the hardest obstacles he has ever faced.
Morgan also said Smokey has been a vital part of his work and personal life, protecting his children and being an important member of the family that will be deeply missed.
