Local Bomb-Sniffing Dog Retires From Police Duty

The Corona Police Department's first explosives detection dog is at home with his longtime partner's family today, enjoying retirement.

"Joep" performed his final duties Friday with the Corona police K-9 unit.

The 9-year-old Belgian Malinois, put in service in 2006, was used for a variety of patrol assignments and was the first canine on the police force trained specifically to sniff out explosives, according to Sgt. Kim Velasco.

"He's still healthy, but being a service dog takes its toll," Velasco said. "It was time for his retirement."

Joep's handler, 11-year law enforcement veteran Cpl. Bryan Snow, purchased him from the city for $1.

"Bryan's got a big family, so the dog is bound to get a lot of attention," Velasco said.

She said that because of Snow's recent promotion to corporal, he will not longer be working in the K-9 unit but will instead carry on as a patrol training officer and "quasi-supervisor." --City News Service