Rex, an explosives-sniffing dog assigned to the Denver City and County Building, retired Tuesday with a ceremony and sendoff, which included cake.
Rex, a member of the Denver Sheriff Department, patrolled the halls, offices and grounds of the downtown building along with his partner and handler, Deputy Bill Swan.
Mayor Michael Hancock proclaimed Tuesday “K9 Rex Day” presenting the 10-year-old Malinois with a service pin. Rex served with the sheriff’s department for six years, including:
- The 2012 Aurora theater shooting, where he cleared theaters and common areas.
- The 2012 University of Denver presidential debate between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.
- The 2014 Arapahoe High School shooting, after which he swept evacuation areas for staff members and students.
- The Denver Broncos Super Bowl parade in 2016, in which he swept Denver City and County Building.
After 42 dog yrs of service, Rex the explosive detection dog is heading into retirement. Enjoy the walks, play times & naps! Good boy, Rex.
— Michael B. Hancock (@MayorHancock)
The sheriff’s office recently took possession of three new dogs — two German shepherds and a Malinois. Deputy Swan has been assigned the new 9-month-old Malinois. The dog eventually will assume Rex’s duties.
