K-9 Edo Retires from the Statesville Police Department
K-9 Edo has officially retired after nearly a decade of dedicated service with the Statesville Police Department. Edo, who will turn 11 in December, began his career at SPD in 2015 and has been with his handler, Officer James Findley, since 2017.
Trained in a variety of critical tasks—tracking, area searches for persons, building searches, narcotics detection, article searches for evidence, and apprehension—Edo has been an invaluable asset to the department. Officer Findley recalls numerous occasions where Edo’s keen skills made a significant difference.
Among his many contributions, Edo was instrumental in locating narcotics and tracking subjects. He also had a unique knack for finding objects lost by officers during their duties. One standout moment was when Edo successfully found a set of keys in a park on 5th Street, hours after they had been lost in the early morning.
But Edo is not just known for his professional achievements. He’s also known for his quirky personality. Officer Findley shares that Edo has a tendency for walking into glass doors, and one memorable day at The Depot, Edo ran full speed up a staircase only to collide headfirst with a closed door at the top. These moments of humor have endeared Edo to all who know him.
He's the Boss
When asked to describe Edo in three words, Officer Findley didn't hesitate: “He’s the Boss.” This description reflects the strong personality and leadership Edo exhibited throughout his career. One of Edo’s early training habits was responding to the command “Center,” which meant positioning himself between Officer Findley’s legs. Although it could be a bit annoying when trying to walk, it never failed to bring laughter.
Reflecting on their time together, one of Officer Findley’s favorite memories is their last certification. It was as if Edo knew retirement was near and decided to put on a show, leaving a lasting impression for their final performance together.
As for the transition to retirement, Officer Findley is confident that Edo is adjusting well. “Edo’s transition to a normal life will and has been smooth. He is a good family dog and has calmed down with age. I believe Edo will miss sleeping in the back of the car, but he really enjoys being at home and roaming the yard,” said Findley.
When asked about his proudest moment, Officer Findley spoke of the bond they formed over the years. “Edo is a fantastic dog and really allowed me to mature as a person and as an officer. For those who have not handled a K-9, they will never know the time and dedication the job requires. Edo made the transition to K-9 handler easy for me,” he shared.
K-9 Edo’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Statesville Police Department. His service will be remembered with gratitude, and his presence will be missed. As Edo enjoys his well-earned retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, dedication, and a few good laughs.
Click an image below to display the larger version.
