Canine Connection: His Number Up, Keno Turns in His Badge

Keno and his partner and handler La Verne Police Officer Mike Martinez were honored at City Hall on Monday, Sept. 22, 2009 for their years of exemplary service.

Keno, the La Verne Police Department’s narotics-trained K-9, officially turned in his badge last night in front of a packed and appreciative City Hall audience after six years of  sniffing out illegal drugs, mostly serving search warrants and working airports.

Police Chief Scott Pickwith honored Keno and his partner and handler Mike Martinez for their exemplary service and also welcomed their replacements, police dog Maverick and his partner and handler Officer Eric Eisen.

Keno won’t be easily forgotten after helping the La Verne Department and local drug interdiction agencies remove from the streets thousands of pounds of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other contraband, including illegal hand guns, shot guns and rifles. Keno also helped recover $8 million, funds which help defray the expenses of the department’s narcotics program.

Keno will enjoy retirement by the side of his longtime partner Martinez.