Chattanooga, TN – The Chattanooga Police Department has officially honored the retirement of two of its long-serving K9 officers, K9 Anik and K9 Rex, recognizing their outstanding contributions to law enforcement and the safety of the Chattanooga community.
K9 Anik, a 12-year-old who has served with CPD for a decade, leaves behind a legacy of excellence in narcotics detection and community safety. Over the course of his career, Anik played a vital role in law enforcement operations, helping to recover more than 50 firearms, 2,800 pounds of marijuana, and nearly 20 pounds of various illegal narcotics.
His skill and commitment earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious USPCA Region 22 Top Dog award in Narcotics Detection in 2017 and the Dual Purpose Top Dog in 2022. At the 2022 USPCA Nationals, Anik achieved a perfect score to win first place in agility. Most recently, he was awarded the 2024 USPCA Region 22 “Top Dog” for vehicle searches.
K9 Rex, now 11 years old, retires after more than seven years of service with CPD. During his tenure, Rex was instrumental in the recovery of 80 firearms, more than 40 pounds of marijuana, 16 pounds of cocaine, and 17 pounds of methamphetamine. His work also led to over 260 successful apprehensions. His dedication to the department and his handler has earned him respect across the agency and beyond.
Both K9s will now enjoy retirement with their longtime handlers. Anik will be spending his post-service years with Officer David Gerity, while Rex will retire with Officer Jeremy Wilson. Their years of teamwork and partnership are a testament to the bond between officer and K9, a relationship built on trust, loyalty, and mutual dedication to public safety.
The Chattanooga Police Department expressed deep gratitude for Anik and Rex, celebrating their courage, discipline, and the vital role they played in ensuring the security of the community.
“Thank you, Anik and Rex, for your dedication, service, and always being good boys,” CPD wrote in a statement.
Their retirement marks the end of an era and the beginning of a well-earned life of rest and comfort.