Pasco Police Department K9 Lemon retires

Recent medical issues have prompted the Pasco Police Department to announce the retirement of K9 Lemon.

K9 Lemon first joined the Pasco Police Department in 2011, and has worked to help recover illegal narcotics, and wrestle bad guys into compliance.

The nearly 10-year old dog suffered a twisted stomach in September, which required emergency surgery.

Complications required a second surgery on October 27th, and his handler is concerned that Lemon could experience additional complications or re-injure himself.

Lemon will retire in comfort, and will continue living with his handler, Officer Josh Madsen and his family.

"The years I have spent with Lemon have made me a better police officer and person," Madsen said in a message on facebook Tuesday. "Thank you all for everything. K9 Lemon is as much your dog as he is mine, so I will make this promise to you: Lemon will have a happy and comfortable retirement with his family, and he will not want for treats or belly rubs. He has earned it.”

The Pasco Police Department has three additional police dogs in operation: K9 Hapo, K9 Jucon, and K9 Ezra.