COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Town of Colonie Police Department is hanging up the harness of one of its beloved four-legged officers. A ceremonial retirement walkout was held for K-9 Eddie last Thursday to honor the work he has done for the department.
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Eddie has tracked down bank robbers and stolen the hearts of local children since 2018. His partner, Sergeant Michael Clough, gave a speech at last week’s ceremony to celebrate and recognize Eddie’s eight years of service.
“When people hear the word ‘partner’ in law enforcement, they often think about the officers you share shifts with,” Clough said. “The ones who back you up on calls, who you trust to show up when things could go wrong. I’ve been lucky in my career to have had some truly amazing human partners, some of which are standing in this room with us today. The kind of people you’d go anywhere with, no questions asked. But standing here today, I can say without hesitation. I’ve never had a better partner than Eddie.”
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Clough said Eddie went beyond just showing up for work; he brought with him an unwavering loyalty, relentless drive and a willingness to do whatever was asked of him. He emphasized that his partner was all in every time, even in situations that required an amount of courage that even the bravest humans couldn’t possess.
“And what makes him truly special is his impact didn’t stop on the streets,” Clough continued in his speech. “Eddie’s presence and demeanor afforded us the opportunity to connect with our community in a way most officers never get the chance to. We’ve met thousands of families, parents, kids, community members, and in every one of those interactions, he represented the very best of what the Colonie Police Department stands for. He could go from working a serious police call to sitting calmly and allowing children to pet him, and somehow make both moments look effortless.”
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In Clough’s eyes, that kind of versatility can’t be taught, and Eddie’s unwavering loyalty to him and the job as a whole shined through every one of those moments. Clough said K-9 Eddie reminded people that behind badge there’s a heart, and he built trust without saying a single word, which strengthened the bond between the department and the community.
“Eddie, you’ve earned this retirement. You’ve made a lasting impact on this department, on this community, and on me. And while your working career may be over, what you’ve given will never be forgotten,” Clough said…