News Summary
On April 24, the Texas A&M University Police Department celebrated the retirement of K-9 Mays, a dedicated German Wirehaired Pointer who served for six impactful years. Known for his exceptional safety contributions and community engagement, Mays has left a lasting legacy with the department and the College Station community. His retirement ceremony featured heartfelt tributes, underscoring the bond he created with the community and fellow law enforcement officers. Mays will enjoy his golden years in the care of Officer Clemens, his longtime handler.
College Station Celebrates K-9 Mays’ Well-Deserved Retirement
On April 24, the Texas A&M University Police Department in College Station threw a heartwarming farewell party for a true hero – K-9 Mays! After an impressive six years of service, this dedicated pup has officially traded his badge for some well-deserved retirement time.
The Journey of K-9 Mays
At just 8 years old, K-9 Mays has led a life filled with adventures and meaningful service. This clever German Wirehaired Pointer joined the Texas A&M PD in 2019 after being bred in Europe for his exceptional skills in detecting explosives. With a sharp nose and the heart of a champion, Mays quickly became a vital part of the police force.
His journey to becoming a hero began at Pacesetter K9 LLC in Liberty Hill, TX, where he underwent intense training to prepare him for the demands of his job. Demonstrating his impressive abilities, Mays earned certification from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after successfully passing the National Odor Recognition Test. This achievement was just the beginning of his illustrious career.
Making a Difference in the Community
Throughout his time on the force, K-9 Mays, alongside his handler, Officer Cody Clemens, tirelessly worked to maintain explosive detection certifications through both Utah POST and Pacesetter K9. The duo not only ensured the safety of the Texas A&M community but also extended their support to other law enforcement agencies nearby.
Mays was a beloved figure, often seen at community events where he connected with students and residents. From National Night Out to new student conferences and local school demonstrations, this furry officer made a name for himself in a big way. His presence added an extra layer of safety, especially during explosive sweeps at events such as sporting games, graduations, concerts, and even the renowned World Series held in Houston!
A Lifelong Bond
In retirement, K-9 Mays gets to relax in the loving home of Officer Clemens. The special bond they’ve built over the years will continue as they embark on this new chapter together. It’s heartwarming to think that after serving the community so passionately, Mays will enjoy his golden years surrounded by love and care.
A Tribute to Service
During the retirement ceremony held at the police department, emotions were high. Police Chief J. Michael Johnson expressed immense pride in K-9 Mays and gratitude for his dedicated service, highlighting how deeply he affected the bond between law enforcement and the community.
K-9 Mays was made possible through the generous efforts of the Mays Business School Strategic Philanthropy Class, along with contributions to organizations like K9s.org and K9s4KIDs, a nonprofit dedicated to placing K-9 officers in communities where they can make a difference. Mays’ legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of K-9 officers.
Looking Ahead
As K-9 Mays enjoys his retirement, the Texas A&M PD looks forward to building upon the strong foundation he helped establish. He dedicated his life to serving the Texas A&M community, and while his official duties may be over, his many contributions will always be remembered. So raise a paw and celebrate K-9 Mays, a true canine hero!
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Additional Resources
- KCEN TV: Texas A&M Police K9 Retires
- KBTX: Introducing College Station PD’s Newest K9
- WSET: K9 Rooster Honored After Retirement
- Officer.com: Bill for K9 Retirement Benefits
- KBTX: Kirk Herbstreit Announces Death of Beloved Dog
- Wikipedia: K9 Police Dogs
- Google Search: Police K9 Retirement
- Google Scholar: Police K9s Benefits
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police K9
- Google News: K9 Retirement
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
