Crime & Safety

'Top Dog' Retires After A Career Of Catching Criminals

K-9 Chino got a personal thank you from county commissioners for his years of service.

This story was written by Patch Local Editor Linda Chion Kenney.

What's the county's "top dog" get after spending a career working countywide to apprehend fugitives and detect bombs? If you're Chino, the K-9, you get a commendation from the Hillsborough County Commission.

Chino, a 7-year-old German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix, retired July 26 after five years of service, according to a news report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The K-9 reportedly joined the sheriff's office in 2008 "with the help of funds donated by 13 Ugly Men Inc. and M&I Bank.
"Chino worked countywide in fugitive apprehension and bomb detection," according to the sheriff's office's report. "In his next to last day on duty, Chino proved he was a 'top dog' when he helped capture a murder suspect who led law enforcement on a car chase into Pasco County. Chino leaped into the suspect's vehicle and pinned the suspect down, allowing law enforcement to take the man into custody."

Chino received an official congratulation for service at the board's regularly scheduled Aug. 21 meeting at the Fred B. Karl County Center, at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Chino's partner, Deputy Jason Allen, was also on hand.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Carrollwood-Northdale