Watertown K-9 officer Bono stepping into retirement (Audio)

January 18, 2022
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–A four-legged officer with the Watertown Police Department officially retired today.

Narcotics dog Bono (pictured)  appeared before the Watertown City Council as his handler, Detective Tayler Maertens and Police Chief Tim Toomey, announced that Bono’s days of sniffing out illegal drugs have come to an end.

Bono is eleven years old, and has been with the department for about a decade. He wore badge number K-4, and now that badge, and Bono are heading into retirement. It’s time for rest and relaxation with his buddy Tayler.

Toomey says Bono has done excellent work over the years, and will be missed….

Toomey says the department will get another drug dog to replace Bono…

Bono, upon retirement, will be the third dog in the Maertens household.

He received a standing ovation from the council at today’s work session as his retirement was approved. 

Watertown’s other K-9 officer is named Sadie.