K9 Luke with his handler Sheriff's Officer Joseph Kleinow.
MAYS LANDING - Atlantic County Sheriff Eric Scheffler has announced the retirement of one of the agencies long time bloodhounds. K9 Luke, who joined the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office in 2009, recently retired on Oct. 1 after an extensive career with the department. Luke is 12 years old.
K9 Luke and his handler Officer Joseph Kleinow served the citizens of Atlantic County with great success, K9 Luke was involved in many successful search and rescue operations over his 10 year career. In addition to tracking and locating criminal offenders, Luke and Kleinow were responsible for the safe return of numerous clients participating in the Sheriff's Office Project Life Saver Program.
Scheffler said that Luke will be missed tremendously and will be difficult to replace.
The Sheriff's Office anticipates bringing on another bloodhound in spring 2020, Scheffler said. The new K9 will be used for tacking purposes with Kleinow as the handler.
The Atlantic County Sheriff's Office and the K9 Unit offered gratitude to community partners PETSMART, Walmart and Angeline Pebler, who have donated money and services to the K9 Unit.
