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By Abigail Roberts

Correspondent

STANFORD – For the last 71/2 years, Stanford K9 Nico has put in a lot of work.

Nico, a Belgian Malinois K9, was acquired by the Stanford Police Department in April 2016 and was the department’s first-ever K9.

K9 Nico has served alongside SPD Officer Preston Middleton for more than seven years, aiding SPD in various situations including narcotic detection, searches and suspect apprehensions, as well as serving the Lincoln County High School and public school system.

Come October, Nico will turn 9 years old and SPD says age has caught up with the once energetic K9. After several years of service, Nico is officially retiring. He will remain at home with his partner Middleton.

Stanford City Council members recognized the K9’s hard work after voting to officially retire the dog during the Aug. 10 meeting.

“Preston, I thank you,” said Mayor Dalton Miller. “I still remember when you drove a long way to get that dog. And I just thank you for taking good care of the dog and I hope the dog has a happy life at your house.”

Middleton said he appreciates the opportunity to be a K9 handler for the last seven years.

Council member Eddie Carter said Middleton put in a lot of extra hours to get the K9 program up and running and make it a success.

“It’s been a great asset to the city,” Carter said.

“I appreciate the opportunity that was afforded to me and the city for allowing me to start the program and the opportunity to keep the dog that I’ve grown a bond with over the last eight years,” Middleton said.

In a statement, SPD said the department wishes Nico a long, happy and healthy life of retirement. SPD said Officer Nick Adams and his K9 Cricket will take it from here.