Spike, the Romeoville Police Department’s K-9, has retired after eight years of service. Originally from the Netherlands, the Belgian Malinois came to the U.S. in 2011. In June of 2012, when he was 19 months old, he was paired with Officer John Allen and sent to the K-9 academy. Spike has been a part of numerous drug seizures and criminal apprehensions and has even found nine guns. His biggest catch, both in terms of monetary value and total weight, came in June of 2013 when he discovered 2,750 pounds of marijuana, valued at $7.3 million. Spike has participated in hundreds of K-9 demonstrations throughout Will County and has shown he has the temperament to be loving while still completing his function as a police K9. He will enjoy retired life living with Officer Allen, his long-time handler, who is retiring himself on July 10th. 

Spike will be replaced by Aris, another male Malinois from the Netherlands. The nearly 2 year old dog will be assigned to Officer Jason Jandura and is expected to graduate from the K-9 academy on July 31st. Aris will then start his police career on August 4th. 

“We are very thankful for the hard work both Officer Allen and Spike have done for our police department,” stated Mayor John Noak. “We welcome Aris to our community and look forward to the great work he and Officer Jandura will do.”

The changing of the department’s K-9 wasn’t the only dog news around the station this week. The police also welcomed Lola, a comfort dog who will assist police officers and victims of serious crimes.