Stafford Council Honors Retiring K9

STAFFORD, NJ — After more than six years of service, Stafford Township Police Department K9 Raven gets to enjoy her retirement with her handler, Patrolman Donald B. Haines.

A proclamation was read at a recent Stafford Township Council meeting to recognize Raven for all of her hard work over the years.

Since joining the department in 2016, Raven has been a central part of hundreds of investigations, Mayor Greg Myhre said. Her specialty was narcotics, and she often discovered illegal drugs and paraphernalia, keeping the community safe, Myhre said.

Myhre said that Raven quickly became "not only a part of the Stafford Township Police Department family, but also a beloved member of our community."

Haines shared one moment that stood out in Raven's career. She discovered marijuana in a vehicle, which lead to police finding a stolen and loaded handgun in the center console, he said. The vehicle was later discovered to be stolen as well, he said.

"That was definitely a highlight for her," Haines said. "That was definitely a proud dad moment for me."

Haines said that Raven has been a great dog and made his life easy. "She excelled anywhere we went for training," he said.

Myhre presented Raven with a gift bag of treats to thank her for her work.

"Now she gets to enjoy retirement life," Haines said.