Kato the K-9 retires from Piatt Co. Sheriff’s Office

MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — Deputies at the Piatt County Sheriff’s Office are saying goodbye after a long run with their K-9 officer.

Wednesday marked the last day Kato the K-9 will be on the force. He joined the Sheriff’s Office in July of 2017.

“He’s moved around a lot,” Sergeant Stewart Williams said. “[He’s] like, ‘I’m not listening, I don’t know who you are, but I know what I want to do. And I’m going to do what I’m going to do.'”

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Williams is Kato’s sixth handler. He said throughout the years, they’ve experienced a lot.

“Most people know Kato before they know me. I’ve gone into the hospital and they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re Kato’s partner.’ And I’m like, yeah, I guess I’m his partner.”

Kato has been working with the department for seven years, and now he is finally ready to enjoy retirement.

“Obviously, he can get on my nerves and I probably get on his nerves sometimes,” Williams said. “But he’s a great security blanket.”

Kato trained on narcotics detection and tracking.

“I mean, he’s located, tracked people that were suspects in a crime, or fled to lost kids,” Williams said.

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Williams said he’s going to miss having his partner and best friend by his side.

“He would do whatever it takes to make sure I’m safe.”

After Wednesday, Kato will become a family pet.

“He’s been around my kids more. They love to play with him and he’s just an easygoing dog,” Williams said.

The Piatt County Sheriff’s Office said Kato is their only dog. They’re hoping to get a new one soon.

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