After Eight Years Of Service, The Indiana State Police K9 That Took A Bullet For Handler Retires

A dog from the Indiana State Police has earned the right to retire from service. The Indiana State Police Indianapolis District honored the department’s cherished German shepherd with a heartfelt Facebook post titled “K9 Apaches Retires” on Tuesday, October 8.

“Earlier today, in a fun ceremony with his favorite people, Indiana State Police K9 Apache retired from duty. He will enjoy retirement as a family pet with his lifelong partner Trooper Walter Butt,” the caption read.

A three-minute video accompanied the social media message

The homage continued by describing how, in 2017, Apache “took a bullet to the neck during an officer involved shooting” and, three weeks after recovering fully, was back in the line of duty. The social media post was accompanied by a three-minute film that expressed gratitude to Apache for his eight years of service.

The video started with Apache pacing back and forth in the rear seat of a patrol cruiser while Butt, dressed in full police uniform, sat in the driver’s seat and talked on the radio with a dispatcher. It was Apache’s “final shift,” the trooper told the dispatcher. 

After that, the video switches to body cam footage, which shows the dog at home with Butt, who jokingly inquired as to whether he was “ready to go to work?”

Before heading for the front door, an ecstatic Apache twirled around multiple times, ran outside, and hopped into their Indiana State Police vehicle. From there, a number of pictures captured Apache and Butt in action over the years. The dispatcher continued the slideshow by highlighting the pair’s successes.

“After eight-and-a-half years of dedicated service, K9 Apache is retiring and signing off for his final shift. K9 Apache has made a significant impact in our communities by seizing over 950 pounds of illegal narcotics. He’s been instrumental in seizing over $1.6 million in drug money,” the dispatcher said.

77 criminal apprehensions and more than 500 criminal drug arrests were among his career high points.

“He protected his handler when it mattered most”

His most noteworthy achievement, though, was perhaps saving his handler’s life, for which he was recognized with an American Kennel Club Paw of Courage award.

The dispatcher said “He protected his handler when it mattered most, even by taking a bullet to save his life,”

As K9 Apache pursued a suspect, the incident took place. The dog was shot, fled, and was discovered and given medical attention the following morning.

“You have always answered the call, no matter the hour to assist officers in our district and beyond, Thank you, K9 Apache, for your service and love for the job you have done to protect and serve.” Continued the video.

The dispatcher finally concluded the message by saying “K9 Apache, you have met and exceeded every expectation. All of us, to you, we wish you a happy retirement filled with rest, belly rubs and lots of treats,”

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