LOVELAND — For seven years, Brisco has caught bad guys and collected belly rubs.
But last week during a formal “passing the leash” ceremony, the 9½-year-old Belgian Malinois’ leash was attached to the collar of the department’s new K-9 officer in training.
Greg Harris, the department’s K-9 handler, has worked with Brisco for seven years.
“He has protected me more times than I can count. He has done this more times than I can count without hesitation. Brisco has done such a terrific job apprehending suspects that the bad guys are going to celebrate his retirement,” Harris said, to laughter from the audience.
Harris said Brisco, who formally retired Jan. 1, will now get to lounge next at the officer’s home.
“I can tell you, being a K-9 handler, there is nothing like having a partner who is always there when you need them,” Harris said. “One more benefit is that I can talk to him and, for some reason, I never get an answer back.”
Interim Police Chief Tim Brown presented Harris with a plaque engraved with a poem about the sacred partnership between handler and canine.
“He’s been a rescuer of Greg and other officers, and we don’t know of the many, many times he has changed the minds of people who have malicious intent simply by his presence and his voice,” Brown said.
Brisco’s replacement is Tylon, another Belgian Malinois who also lives with Harris and his girlfriend.
“(The dogs) tolerate each other. … It’s pretty sad when you’re getting ready for work — because they know — and then (Brisco) is walking with me to the door and I have to leave without him,” Harris said. “It’s pretty tough because he’s gone to work with me for so many years.”
Harris has begun taking Tylon to work every day to prepare the new K-9 for a 16-week training academy in April.
“(Belgian Malinois) are a very intense breed,” Harris said. “I think Tylon will do an excellent job.”
There are four K-9 officers with the Loveland Police Department.
“He’s there whenever you need him,” Harris said of Brisco. “It’s a totally different level because you know he will give his life for you. Other officers will, but you know he will without question.”
