{"id":217980,"date":"2017-11-29T14:26:42","date_gmt":"2017-11-29T19:26:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-1.tempurl.host\/?p=217980"},"modified":"2017-11-30T02:44:24","modified_gmt":"2017-11-30T07:44:24","slug":"mount-dora-officer-heartbroken-k9-partner-retirement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thegraphicgeek.com\/demo-cflwire\/mount-dora-officer-heartbroken-k9-partner-retirement\/","title":{"rendered":"Mount Dora Officer \u201cHeartbroken\u201d Over K9 Partner Retirement"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mount Dora Police Officer Adam McCulloch and K9 Officer Stryker gather at the Mount Dora Police Department on Wednesday to announce Stryker’s retirement. \/ Photo: Cindy Sharp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

MOUNT DORA \u2013<\/strong> Officer Adam McCulloch of the Mount Dora Police Department announced the retirement of his K9 partner, Officer Stryker, on Wednesday after he sustained an off-duty injury, forcing him into retirement after three and a half years of service.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s truly heartbreaking,\u201d McCulloch said. \u201cI\u2019m losing a partner but we\u2019ve had some great times and many accomplishments to be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n

While away on vacation, McCulloch learned that Stryker suffered from an embolism, which resulted in two surgeries to repair a disc in his spine and a blood clot. Stryker is now in recovery and going through physical therapy at his home.<\/p>\n

According to McCulloch, the bond between a handler and a full-service dog is unlike any other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see him more than I see my own family,\u201d he said. \u201cWe serve long shifts together and then he stays at home with me and my family.\u201d<\/p>\n

McCulloch said he will miss working with his partner and best friend, stating that he has an on\/off switch when it comes to work and play.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt home, he\u2019s a big puppy, always playful and happy,\u201d he said. \u201cBut he knows when it\u2019s time for work and gets the job done. He loves to hunt and do training to find items and get the bad guys.\u201d<\/p>\n

McCulloch recalled a few of their best accomplishments including a two and a half hour search and a traffic stop that resulted in two arrests and the recovery of many illegal substances and weapons.<\/p>\n

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Mount Dora K9 Officer Stryker prepares for retirement on December 2, after suffering from an embolism forcing him into retirement. \/ Photo: Cindy Sharp<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Officer McCulloch and Stryker also attended schools and community events, stating that everyone loved Stryker and seeing him serve the community.<\/p>\n

Stryker will continue to reside with McCulloch\u2019s family as he continues to recover from his injuries.<\/p>\n

Stryker is set to retire on December 2. The Mount Dora Heroes Foundation K-9 program has taken on all of Stryker\u2019s medical expenses to show their appreciation for all he has done for the Mount Dora community.