MACOMB, IL – The Macomb Police Department has announced that they will be holding a retirement ceremony for K9 Unit, Mac.
During the Macomb City Council meeting on Monday, February 5th, a motion was passed to authorize transferal of ownership of Mac from the City of Macomb to his current partner, MPD Officer Nick Severs upon Mac’s retirement and the motion was passed unanimously.
Says Macomb Police Chief Jeff Hamer, “K9 Mac has faithfully and successfully served the citizens of Macomb. He and his handler, Officer Nick Severs, have been instrumental in the recovery of guns, evidence, and over 1300 grams of narcotics. Mac is most famous for all the school demonstrations and public events in which he participated. Mac is a friendly police dog which made him a natural in front of a younger audience. School aged kids can be timid around police officers, but Mac helped break down those barriers. He helped officers make connections with our citizens. Upon his retirement, Mac will retire to a life of rest and relaxation along side Officer Severs and his family at their home. Officer Severs and K9 Mac would like to extend a sincere thank you to the donors and supporters who helped make this wonderful career possible.”
According to Chief Hamer, the typical service life of a police service dog is 4-7 years. Mac has five years of remarkable service. Retiring him at this point allows him to have a longer, healthy retirement.
Hamer has assured that the Department has full confidence in the next generation of the K9 team with Mac’s successor, K9 Jax, and his partner, Officer Aric Cremer.
Mac’s retirement ceremony will take place at the Macomb Police Department on Friday, February 16th starting at 1 p.m.