Chattanooga police dog, Duco, retiring after active, 7-year career

After a long career of sniffing for illicit drugs and running down suspects, one of Chattanooga's finest police dogs is entering retirement.

CPD K9 Duco is retiring after seven years on the force.

Duco has served seven years in the Chattanooga Police Department as a dual-purpose dog and racked up an impressive number of accomplishments since 2011, according to a release from the police department. He has 426 arrest assists, 623 vehicle and building searches and 153 apprehensions to his name, not to mention recovery and seizures of both guns and narcotics.

He has assisted a number of federal and state law enforcement agencies including the FBI, TBI, Homeland Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and several local police departments. He was on the scene as part of the response team to the July 16, 2015, terrorist attack at the Naval Operations Support Center in Chattanooga.

In 2016, he earned the honor of "Top Dog" at the United States Police Canine Association Region 22 Fall Trials.

Duco's exploits have been featured in the Times Free Press before - almost three years ago he was injured while apprehending a burglary suspect.

Police responded to 1300 Joiner Road on Aug. 21, 2015, on a residential hold-up alarm at 10 a.m. Upon arrival, officers spotted a suspect inside the home, but the man refused orders.

CPD K9 Duco is retiring after seven years on the force.

Duco was deployed in the flooded cellar area of the house where the suspect was. Duco detained the man, Charles Reed, by biting his leg. Reed responded by hitting the dog several times. Officers then detained Reed, who ultimately was charged with burglary and cruelty to animals.

Steven Meador, Duco's handler, will take care of Duco in his retirement years. They worked together from 2014 to 2018.

"Duco loved his job. He was always excited when it was time to work," said Meador. "Duco and I've been in some tight spots together, and I'm very grateful he's being retired to me."

Contact staff writer Emmett Gienapp at egienapp@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731. Follow him on Twitter @emmettgienapp.