Special Napa Police Veteran Retires After 7-Year Career, Or 50 Counted In Dog Years

NAPA VALLEY, CA — A police dog credited with hundreds of deployments, criminal apprehensions and narcotics searches has ended his watch in Napa, closing a seven-year career that helped officers track suspects, locate drugs, and recover firearms across the region.

The Napa Police Department announced the retirement of K9 'Dex,' who worked his final shift March 1 alongside his handler, Officer Matt Meyer. Officials said the German shepherd stepped down slightly earlier than planned because of health issues.

Dex began serving the city of Napa in 2019. During that time, he was deployed hundreds of times, leading to multiple suspect apprehensions and surrenders, as well as the recovery of firearms during searches.

The department also relied on Dex as a SWAT K9, sending him into high-risk situations and search operations where officers needed a trained police dog to help locate suspects or secure areas.

Dex and his handlers also supported neighboring agencies, including the Napa County Sheriff's Office, the American Canyon Police Department, and the Vallejo Police Department.

Police officials thanked Dex and his handlers for their years of service, saying the veteran K9 now heads into retirement after a career spent protecting the community.