Marquette K9 Officer Honored in Emotional Final Call After Years of Service

After years of loyal service, one of Michigan’s finest officers is hanging up his leash.

K-9 Zepp of the Marquette Police Department has officially retired, according to a post on Facebook, following an impressive career marked by 179 deployments and more than 900 hours of training. As a skilled detection dog, Zepp played a vital role in protecting his community and supporting his fellow officers.

But like many dedicated officers on the force, time eventually caught up to the K9 officer.

His handlers say they noticed a dip in his drive, which led to the difficult decision to retire him from the force. It’s one made out of love and respect for everything he’s given.

(And the video below, may leave you needing a few tissues, too.)

Everyone involved with the call was obviously emotional, down to the dispacter whose voice was shaking by the end of the call. (And can you blame her? It's hard to say goodbye to a beloved co-worker, especially when they're probably the happiest one you deal with.)

Now, Zepp will begin his next chapter in a much quieter setting. On a farm with his new family. No more sirens or shift changes- just sunny naps in the yard, belly rubs, and some very well-earned rest.

Though his badge is retired, Zepp’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the difference he made. From his first deployment to his emotional final call, this good boy served with honor. Enjoy retirement, Zepp. You’ve more than earned it.