In a heartwarming tribute to his years of dedicated service, Vilo, a German Shepherd-Malinois police dog, bid farewell to the Orem Police Department in a touching radio call.
After an illustrious career filled with numerous accomplishments, Vilo is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement as a beloved family pet.
Vilo’s partnership with Quentin, his handler of three years, didn’t have the friendliest start. “When I picked him up, he was growling at me the whole time on the way home,” recalls Quentin. However, it didn’t take long for their bond to develop and strengthen. As Quentin puts it, “He ends up becoming your brother and your partner.”
Throughout his career, Vilo demonstrated exceptional skills in searching for and apprehending felons. He fearlessly faced life-and-death situations but always emerged unscathed. His impeccable record is a testament to his dedication and unwavering commitment to keeping the community safe.
To honor Vilo’s outstanding service and bid him farewell in style, his police colleagues organized a heartfelt send-off over the radio. Although Vilo couldn’t comprehend the exact words being said, he could undoubtedly sense the depth of emotion behind them. The message conveyed gratitude for his tireless work and emphasized how much he will be missed: “You deserve so much needed rest. Thank you for keeping your handlers safe over the course of your career and bringing them home each and every day. You’ll be missed.”
Now retired from active duty, Vilo has transitioned seamlessly into family life with Quentin by his side. As they enjoy their days together, it is evident that retired police dogs make impeccable pets and integrate seamlessly into their new roles.
The bond between a police dog and their handler goes beyond words or description. Quentin explains that making decisions together on the job, and placing complete trust in each other, creates a connection that is indescribable unless experienced firsthand: “It’s a really heavy decision that you have to make… You put complete trust in him, and he trusts you, and it’s really something you can’t explain unless you’ve done it.”
Vilo’s retirement serves as a reminder of the significant contributions made by police dogs to law enforcement. These loyal canines become more than just working partners; they become cherished members of the family. Vilo’s successful transition into his new role exemplifies the incredible versatility and adaptability of retired police dogs.
As we bid farewell to Vilo, his legacy will undoubtedly live on within the Orem Police Department. His years of service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to keeping his handlers safe will be remembered fondly. The final send-off over the radio serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional bond between Vilo and Quentin and highlights the profound impact these courageous K-9 officers have on our communities.
