Joplin Police Department bids farewell to retiring K9 “Ben”
JOPLIN, Mo. — A beloved member of the Joplin Police Department is retiring, following six years of service.
Joplin Police K9 Ben hit the streets for his last shift, today.
K9 Ben first began his service with JPD in March of 2018 with his partner Officer Adam Brannin.
Since then, Ben has helped the department take various drugs off the streets.
Officials with JPD say K9 Ben was well known for his apprehensions.
He had 21 of them, in numerous situations like tracking, searches, burglaries, attic deployments, and patrol.
Officer Brannin says his most memorable moment with Ben was when he apprehended a subject hiding in an attic.
He says the two fell through the ceiling, but it did not stop Ben from apprehending the suspect.
He says now that Ben is getting older, and with the recent marijuana law change back in December 2022, ending his narcotics career, it’s just time to start slowing down.
Ben will live out his retirement with Officer Brannin and his family.
He told us that he’ll begin training his next partner, starting tomorrow.
