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A St. Thomas police dog is calling it quits and beginning its new life as a family pet.
Axle, a Belgian malinois from Michigan, will retire at the end of October after a seven-year career tracking suspects, helping police find evidence and making public appearances, St. Thomas police said.
Chief Mark Roskamp made a recommendation to the city’s police board that Const. Sean James, Axle’s longtime handler, keep it as a family pet.
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“In his time as a police service dog, Axle has helped capture countless criminals and has charmed everyone at many community events. We wish Axle a happy life as a family pet as he transitions to his new lifestyle.” Roskamp said in a statement Monday.
The dangers of being a police dog were highlighted on Sept. 1, 2022, when Axle was struck by a vehicle while tracking a fleeing suspect. Axle made a full recovery and returned to the job.
St. Thomas police established its canine unit in 2016 with Trax, a German shepherd from the Czech Republic. Trax’s name, which reflects its responsibilities and represents the city’s railway heritage, was decided through a contest that invited children to come up with a name.
Trax’s career was short after fewer than four years due to a diagnosis of gracilis myopathy, an incurable muscle condition.
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