AHeights Police Dog Max Retires After 8 Years

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A good police dog knows when to hang up his collar and call it a career, and Max, the Arlington Heights Police Department's third K9, will retire after eight years on the force. The 10-year-old German Shepherd will be honored at next week's Village Board meeting.

Born on Aug. 21, 2008, in Hungary, Max joined the department in September 2010, and he worked on cases involving missing persons and finding contraband, according to police. He also participated in demonstrations at a variety of village events, such as last year's Arlington Heights Frontier Days.

In 2013, Max and Officer Mike Butler were part of the Arlington Heights police K9 unit that participated in the 14th annual Seminar and Certification Trials in Denver, Indiana, an event that drew 104 law enforcement and military dog teams from around the country. The Arlington Heights team finished third overall in the patrol team competition.

RELATED: Arlington Heights Police K9 Unit Places 3rd In Team Competition

A proclamation to acknowledge Max's service with the department will be read during the Sept. 4 Village Board meeting, which is at 8 p.m. at Village Hall.

"We want to wish Max a long and happy retirement," the Arlington Heights Police Department said in a statement Tuesday.

Max will retire from the Arlington Heights Police Department in September. (Photo via Arlington Heights Police Department)