Health Concerns Force Early Retirement Of Westport Police Dog

WESTPORT, CT — Health concerns have forced the early retirement of Westport Police Service Dog Koda, a nine-year-old Belgian Malinois who has been a member of the department since February 2012, officials announced.

Koda was imported from Hungary, and at 18 months old, he completed a thorough 10-week training course where he became certified in narcotics detection, tracking, handler protection, and criminal apprehension.

He is handled by Westport Police Officer James Loomer, who joined the Force two years before Koda in 2010. Since partnering in 2012, the two have worked together full-time in the Patrol Division.

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"Through the duration of their partnership, they have responded to over 600 canine-related calls for service for the Town of Westport and other neighboring municipalities," officials said.

To honor Koda's career, the department plans to host a fundraiser to raise money to purchase and train a new police service dog that will continue Koda’s impressive legacy.

Additionally, to officially announce Koda's retirement, as well as to mark the commencement of the fundraising drive, the department will hold a brief ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, in the Westport Police Department's classroom.