Gloucester Township Police K-9 Retires for Medical Issues

Gloucester Township Police K-9 Maximus is retiring after four years serving his community and department due to a medical condition, police announced on Wednesday.

K-9 “Max” served alongside his handler Cpl. Mark Pickard before being diagnosed with a medical condition that could potentially jeopardize the safety of himself, the officers or citizens that he protects if he were to remain in service. Police didn’t specify what that condition was.

“I commend K-9 Max and Cpl. Pickard for their dedication and commitment to the Gloucester Township Police Department and to the community of Gloucester Township,” Gloucester Township Police Chief Harry Earle said. “Their contributions to our crime fighting and community policing programs over the years will not be forgotten.”

Max, a 5 ½ year old German Shepherd, was assigned with Pickard to the Patrol Bureau working as a nationally certified K-9 conducting narcotics scent work, numerous tracks, building clearings and other patrol duties.

K-9 Max spent five months in training academy, graduating in May of 2011.

Pickard became a handler at the inception of the K-9 Unit in 1999. Before Max, Pickard served with “Andy,” “Hans” and “Schultz.”

K-9 Schultz was killed on Nov. 30, 2010 in the line of duty while trying to apprehend a robbery suspect.

Max will spend his days resting with the Pickard family.

The attached image of Cpl. Mark Pickard and K-9 Maximus was provided by Gloucester Township Police