NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – A police K9 who helped get guns and drugs off the streets in the East is retiring after nearly seven years on the job due to medical issues.
K9 Fredy is an eight-year-old German Shepherd. He was sworn in with the New Bern Police Department in 2019 with his handler, Geoffrey Fulton.
During his career, he helped recover more than 30 guns, found several pounds of drugs, and helping in arresting more than 140 suspects.
This year, veterinarians found a significant buildup of fluid around his heart and lungs, so department leaders and his handler decided retirement would be best for Fredy’s health.
“It’s bittersweet. I’ve been with him for the last seven years, so not getting him in the car when I come to work has been hard,” said Officer Fulton. “We’ve gone through many challenges over the years. I was his first time handler, and he was my first dog.”
The New Bern Board of Aldermen is considering a resolution for Tuesday’s board meeting to declare Fredy medically unfit for public service and transfer ownership to Officer Fulton for $1.
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