Lenoir Police Department K9 Uwais retired from duty last night, Tuesday, April 18, 2023. City Council thanked Uwais for his years of service to the City.
The Police Department purchased Uwais, a German Shepherd, in December 2019 from a kennel in Durham. He was born and raised and trained for his duties here in the US.
"We're at the point in K9 Officer Uwais' career where medically ... it's time for him to step back and retire," Police Chief Brent Phelps said. "He's going to finish his days at the Foust home as a member of the family."
Corporal Mitchell Foust was Uwais’ partner and handler. During his service, Uwais completed 382 utilizations, and helped recover $200,000 in illegal narcotics. Now that he is retired, Uwais will live with Cpl. Foust and his family.
Being a K9 Handler is a full-time job. The dogs live with their handler 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The officers have to care for, feed, and look after their partner on, and off, duty.
"I want to recognize Corporal Foust and his family," Police Chief Brent Phelps said. "As officers bond with a K9 partner, that bond becomes very strong. The animal is housed at the officer's home and becomes a member of the family. We thank our K9 officers for their commitment to that and to our program."
City Council thanked K9 Uwais and Corporal Foust for their service during the City Council meeting, Tuesday, April 19, 2023. Pictured from left, Councilman David Stevens, Police Chief Brent Phelps, Mayor Joe Gibbons, Councilman Jonathan Beal, Corporal Foust and Uwais, Councilman Kent Greer, Foust's wife and daughter, City Manager Scott Hildebran, and Mayor Pro Tem Crissy Thomas.
Uwais plays with a toy during the City Council meeting, Tuesday, April 19, 2023.