ECU Police K-9 retires
It was a bittersweet day for officers with East Carolina University’s Police Department. On Friday, April 27, the officers said goodbye to their K-9 friend, Marko, as they sent him on to begin a happy retirement after serving Pirate Nation for five years.
K-9 Marko celebrates his retirement with his handler, Master Officer David Heath, right and Sgt. Stephanie Carnevale. (Photos by Rhett Butler)
Marko, a 7-year-old shepherd, has worked with ECU Police conducting bomb sweeps before major events on campus and tracking people when necessary. During his career, he has performed 204 sweeps for explosives.
ECU officers, employees and students helped celebrate Marko’s retirement with cake and cookies near West End on main campus. There were plenty of hugs, photos and even a few gifts.
“He may have four legs but we still view him as one of us. As another officer,” said Jon Barnwell, ECU police chief. Barnwell presented Marko’s handler, Master Patrol Officer David Heath, with a framed certificate honoring the K-9.
Heath makes the last radio call ending Marko’s service to ECU Police.
Marko was diagnosed with severe arthritis, and it would be too painful for him to continue working. He will spend the rest of his days as part of Heath’s family, which includes his wife and two sons.
“It’s a sad day but happy too. He’s done his time and service and, with his medical issues, it’s time so that he can have a good quality of life,” said Heath.
During the ceremony, Heath made one last radio call to ECU’s dispatch center that officially ended Marko’s service with ECU Police.
“After five years of service, 204 successful sweeps, show K-9 Marko 10-42,” said Heath.
-by Jamie Smith, ECU News Services