The Elkhart Police Department recently retired one of its most senior members.
Tao was a member of the K-9 Unit since 2004, where he partnered with Cpl. Sommer.The police department says he has helped them apprehend more than 80 suspects and numerous guns. And using his keen sense of smell, Tao detected more than five pounds of illegal narcotics.
Tao is still healthy, but the department said they feel because of his age this is the best time for the 8-year-old dog to go home and enjoy his retirement.
While this marks the end of his service for the Elkhart police, this is not the end of Tao's partnership with Cpl. Sommer. He will live with Sommer and his family.
