Columbia Police Department celebrates retirement of K-9 Raf

After seven years of dedicated service to the Columbia community, K-9 Raf has entered retirement.

Officers from the Columbia Police Department K-9 Unit and surrounding agencies' units stood by as K-9 Raf and his handler, Officer Michael Parsons, were presented a custom wooden flag for Raf's seven years of service with the department. The small ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 6 after the team's last training session together.

Raf began training as a K-9 officer in 2011. Together, he and Parsons patrolled Columbia streets apprehending numerous suspects and detecting and seizing narcotics. Raf was a certified police utility dog through the North American Police Work Dog Association and the Missouri Police Canine Association. He will enjoy retirement at home with Parsons and his family. Food and canine care for Raf in his retirement will be provided by Bourne Feed and Pet Center.

The Columbia Police Department appreciates K-9 Raf and Officer Parsons' teamwork and dedication to the community for the last seven years.