SOUTHWICK – In a release from the Southwick Police Department’s Facebook Page Monday afternoon, it was announced that the department’s K-9, Jax, has retired after 10 years of service.
Starting his career in Southwick back in May of 2007, Jax’s retirement will be effective May 31, 2017.
The decision was made by his long-time handler, Southwick police officer Tom Krutka. The department was saddened that it was time for Jax to retire but quite appreciative of what the K-9 has meant for them.
“I can’t say enough good things about the dog and how useful he has been to the department,” said Chief David Ricardi.
Krutka complimented Jax’s tremendous talents on the job.
“Jax was an exceptional narcotics dog,” said Krutka. “He got that reputation early in our career.”
Jax was involved in numerous operations. He not only worked with Krutka for the Southwick Police Department but for the Hampden County Task Force, Federal Task Force, and surrounding communities like Westfield, Agawam, and Suffield.
Jax is seen with his handler, Southwick Police officer Tom Krutka. (Photo from Southwick Police Department)
One of Jax’s proudest moments as a K-9 dog came in 2014 when he assisted in the largest drug bust in Agawam’s history. On October 17, 2014, police seized 118 pounds of marijuana and $1.1 million in cash.
Along with police officers from several departments and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Agents, Krutka and Jax helped with a search warrant at a specific location in Agawam.
As Krutka brought Jax to an area of about 100 storage units, the K-9 was able to find the exact unit that contained the 118 pounds of marijuana.
“It was quite the hit,” said Krutka. “The whole day was kind of crazy.”
Ricardi remembers just how vital Jax was to the drug bust.
“His nose is what led to the cause,” said Ricardi.
As a result of their dedication to that particular case, Krutka and Jax were awarded the 2014 Narcotic Detection Team of the Year by the Massachusetts Police Work Dog Association.
Although Jax will be leaving after 10 years of work, most K-9 dogs work for five, six, or maybe seven years at the most.
“That’s (10 years) a milestone in its self,” said Krutka.
At 11 years old now, Jax will now be transitioning into the next chapter of his life. Although Krutka will surely miss his partner in crime on the job, Jax will be waiting for Krutka when he gets home.
According to Krutka, he is in the process with the town of Southwick of requesting to own Jax as his family dog.
“It’s just time for him to retire and just be a dog,” said Krutka. “He’s family so he’ll live the rest of his life with me.”
