Sheriff's Department K-9 officer retires after seven years
The Putnam County Sheriff's Department recently retired a veteran of 49 years -- dog years, that is.
After seven (human) years on the force, the last six as Deputy Josh Boller's partner, K-9 officer Sivo is hanging up his harness.
At eight years old, Sivo is growing long in the tooth for a German Shepherd, a breed whose life expectancy does not usually exceed 10 years.
Additionally, Boller said his partner is starting to get pain in his hips, a condition starting to affect his job.
In his time with the department, Sivo, who also spent a year partnered with Deputy Virgil Lanning, has been a versatile officer, performing tracking, narcotics and bite work.
It's a different life for Sivo now, who will spend his days as a family dog.
Additionally, Boller has no plans to have another K-9 partner, citing the danger to the animals and his own attachment to them.
"I'm done," Boller said. "I get too attached to animals and I don't want to get into the emotions of putting a dog down all the time."
The Sheriff's Department will not remain shorthanded, however, as an anonymous donation of $12,000 has helped the department purchase and train a new dog to partner with Deputy Philip Troyer.
The new K-9 officer, another German Shepherd, is already in Troyer's possession, with training soon to come.
Once active, Troyer will join Lt. Dwight Simmons and Sgt. Craig Sibbitt as deputies with K-9 units.
Community corrections officer and reserve deputy Nate O'Hair also has a K-9 partner and assists both county and city police when a dog is needed.