PAULDING, Ohio (WOWO) -The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is bidding farewell to K9 Cooper as he celebrates his 10th birthday and retires from active duty. Purchased with a generous donation from the Cooper Family Foundation, K9 Cooper has been a loyal member of the force, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of service and dedication.
Sheriff Jason K. Landers said, “Caleb and I named him Cooper in honor of the Cooper Family Foundation. They’ve lived up to their expectations, and we’re grateful for their support.”
K9 Cooper, born on January 29, 2014, joined the force on March 24, 2015. Assigned to Deputy Caleb Miller, the duo completed extensive training at the canine academy in Allen County, Indiana, specializing in narcotics detection.
K9 Cooper proved to be an invaluable asset, consistently alerting to illegal substances such as marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. His keen nose and unwavering determination led to the apprehension and conviction of numerous suspects, including one of the largest drug seizures in Paulding County’s history—a kilogram of methamphetamine.
Sheriff Landers praised the duo, stating, “Cooper is probably the most obedient dog I’ve been around, and that’s a testament to the time Caleb has spent working with him over the years. We’re sad to see Cooper retire, but grateful he will get to relax with Caleb’s family and enjoy the next chapter of life.”
Beyond narcotics detection, K9 Cooper excelled in tracking wanted persons, locating missing individuals, conducting searches for illegal substances in schools and businesses, and captivating audiences during public demonstrations about police dogs.
K9 Cooper’s last shift is set for January 31, 2024, marking the end of an illustrious career. While his departure leaves a void, the Sheriff’s Office remains committed to its canine program, exploring options for a new addition in the future.
