St. Joseph County K9 Luna retiring after over two years of service

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. - A K9 with the St. Joseph County Police Department is retiring after serving the community for over two years.

K9 Luna began serving with the police department in January of 2020.

Born in Poland in 2018, Luna was brought to the FMK9 Facility in the United States and purchased by the police department in January 2020.

In October of 2020, Luna was shot in the back hip area by a wanted suspect she was trying to find. Luna underwent surgery and medical treatment and eventually returned to patrol less than two months after the shooting.

Luna served not only with St. Joseph County police but also with the Mishawaka Police Department, South Bend Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the Pokagon Tribal Police Department.

Her largest drug seizure happened when she alerted to a vehicle that held one kilo of methamphetamine.

She also helped located lost children and adults.

Luna eventually began to suffer from PTSD and anxiety while riding in the patrol car.

She is four years old and loves to play ball, eat sticks, and chase cats.

K9 Luna and her handler, Sgt. Matthew Parmelee, would like to thank St. Joseph County Police and the community for their love and support during the shooting incident.

“On that October day in 2020 Luna did her job and drew fire away from our officers and towards her. She is a hero for that," said Sheriff Redman. "We wish her the best as she lives out her life playing ball, eating sticks, and chasing those cats. We love you, Luna. Thank you.” 

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