Osky PD Holds Official Retirement Party for K-9 Nash
Left to Right: Lt. Gary McClun, Nash and Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt at a plaque presentation for McClun and Nash on Tuesday afternoon
Oskaloosa, Iowa – When any employee retires, colleagues come out to wish their co-worker well. But when your four legged and furry, a nice scratch behind the ear works just fine.
Nash has officially retired from the Oskaloosa Police Department and has taken to resting on the couch at his partners house just fine. Oskaloosa Police Lt. Gary McClun has been Nash’s partner for the past 9 years and McClun was happy to say his partner will be enjoying his retirement with him.
Beyond just getting to be a dog now, Nash has a new puppy to play with as well. With the distraction of the new puppy, McClun said that Nash was more occupied with his new friend. But after two or three weeks off, Nash now goes over to the police car, ready to go back to work with McClun.
Nash will be 10 years old in September and he’s not getting around like he use to, McClun said. “It was just time for him to become a dog I guess.”
Oskaloosa Police Chief “Jake” McGee said that most dogs are not in service as long as Nash was. “He’s been in service 9 years, but the average is 5 to 7. McGee said that Nash had been a good member of the OPD.
Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt presented a plaque to McClun and Nash that said, “In sincere appreciation for 9 years of dedication and outstanding service to the citizens of Oskaloosa and the Iowa law enforcement community.”
Nash not only worked with the Oskaloosa Police Department, but would assist any law enforcement agency that needed his help. Examples are: the FBI, Postal Inspectors, the Iowa State Patrol, Mahaska County and various neighboring communities.
A little known fact is that Nash understood German. His training started in a facility that used German commands, and those carried on to further training, and eventually to his time in the field.
McGee says that, in the future, the PD will be looking to get another K-9. Nash was acquired by donations from the community, and McGee says that in the future a fundraiser may help the department acquire their next K-9.
