Local Elementary School Holds Hawaiian-Themed Retirement Party For Police Dog
NORTH HILLS (KDKA) -- It was a bittersweet day for a local police dog and his partner.
After 10 years on the force, K-9 Ares is retiring.
To celebrate, students at Fairview Elementary School held a Hawaiian-themed going away party to thank Ares for his service.
Ares got to wear a Hawaiian shirt, a lei and received a bunch of toys.
Ares and his handler, Officer Scott Palmer, always made a stop at the school in an effort to help improve community relationships.
"We patrol here as our daily patrol routine and you put a dog in a school and amazing things happen. People love dogs. The kids absolutely love dogs. And the fact that he's a police officer makes it that much better," Palmer said.
Students raised more than $3,000 for the Indiana Township Police K-9 Department.
Palmer said Ares will live out the rest of his days at his family's home.
A new K-9 will join Palmer on Monday and will be the first explosives detection dog in the North Hills.