He howls to Styx’s Come Sail Away, loves to smile for the camera and warms the heart of anyone he meets.
But when it’s time to work, K9 Hutch tracks and apprehends some of the most dangerous criminals.
After serving the City of Boynton Beach for more than 7 years, Hutch officially retires from the Boynton Beach Police Department today.
“He has proven to be a loyal, trustworthy crime fighter who protected me, our fellow officers and the community,” said his partner, K9 Officer Mark Sohn.
Sohn and Hutch have apprehended more than 200 suspects since they began working together in March 2007. The crimes committed by these suspects range from attempted murder and aggravated battery to robbery, burglary and fugitive felons wanted by other law enforcement agencies.
Hutch is trained in patrol and drug detection, and his efforts have resulted in the seizure of hundreds of pounds of marijuana, significant ounces of cocaine and more than $15,000 in cash.
Sohn and Hutch also took top honors in the 2012 South Florida Police K9 Competition.
Hutch touched the hearts of hundreds of Boynton Beach residents for his endearing personality and his love for attention – and having his ears scratched…all the time.
“Hutch is unique in the way that he could physically apprehend a suspect one second, and then lean in to be pet by his fellow officers the next second,” Sohn said. “On several occasions, his mere presence has quelled intense situations with suspects. He’s not anything like other police K9’s.”
With Hutch’s retirement, the Boynton Beach Police Department swears in Officer Sohn’s new partner, K9 Bako.
Bako is a year old German Shepherd who hails from the Czech Republic. He understands German commands, and is trained in patrol and drug detection.
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