Patti Dozier/Times-EnterpriseHado, accompanied by Sgt. Daniel Powers, was the star of the show at his retirement ceremony Monday night. 

THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville Police Department officer was not at all impressed by the standing ovation he received at his retirement ceremony.

Police dog Hado’s retirement ceremony came during a Monday Thomasville City Council meeting. The large group of residents attending the meeting stood and applauded loudly as Hado and his human partner, Sgt. Daniel Powers, stood in the lights on the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium stage.

“He’s an amazing officer, and he does an amazing job,” Powers said.

The officer said he was honored and privileged to call Hado his partner for the past eight years.

The canine lives with Powers’ family. Hado and his human partner are together 24 hours a day — more time than the officer spends with his family.

A proclamation read by Police Chief Troy Rich said Hado provided invaluable public service to citizens of the community.

According to the document, Hado is responsible for more than 1,000 narcotics arrests, hundreds of felony arrests and multiple awards, including Top Dual Dog for Region 1 in the United States Police Canine Association.

Hado has attained the age necessary for retirement from the police canine unit.

Upon leaving active duty, Hado was released to Powers, his handler and trainer.

“This is a bittersweet day when one of our canines retires, but Hado has earned it,” Rich said after the ceremony.

The chief said Hado was committed to the community and TPD, adding that the canine and Powers have been valuable partners.

“They have proven their commitment to combat the drug problem by being involved in over 1,000 drug arrests or seizures during their tenure,” Rich said.

Although Hado will be missed, he will remain part of the law enforcement family

“(Sgt.) Powers has full ownership of Hado, and he will be in great care during his retirement,” Rich said. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820