WEST PLAINS, Mo. — The West Plains Police Department has lost a member of the department.
Former K-9 officer Tuk was laid to rest Friday following a ceremony at Talburt Animal Health Center in West Plains. Several department officers and handler Justin Brown were present.
Tuk was retired on Sunday, April 7 due to an intervertebral disc disease. Chief Stephen Monticelli says that Tuk’s condition deteriorated over the past few months to the point where mobility was almost non-existent, prompting the need for the dog to be put to sleep.
Tuk was born on March 2, 2010 where he was purchased by the city of West Plains on July 12, 2011. Tuk started his training in July 2011 and was in-service as an officer in March 2012.
During his tenure, Tuk responded to 436 calls for service and has located 67.2 ounces of methamphetamine, 12.6 pounds of marijuana, 55 cases of drug paraphernalia, and over $1,322 in currency.
