Yaenkee Retires With Fanfare

In the seven years he served , Yaenkee vom Friedwalder Schlob helped search for suspects and contraband in the township and nearby municipalities.

He assisted neighboring police departments, the Lehigh County Drug Task Force and many school districts. 

On Wednesday, the 9-year-old German Shepherd, who served alongside his partner, South Whitehall Officer , was recognized for a job well done.

In the township public meeting room, during the commissioners' meeting, Yaenkee was officially and decommissioned, with a bit of hoopla.

"A department tradition is to retire the badge number of officers as they end their career and place their badge in a display case in the police department," Police Chief Thomas Toth told the commissioners. "Yaenkee's plaque will also be among them."

As the chief presented the plaque, the commissioners stepped down from the podium to offer their appreciation for Yaenkee's and Golden's work. Commissioner Tori Morgan read a proclamation. Through it all, people rose to get a better look at Yaenkee, and reporters and others in attendance snapped photos of the moment.

Yaenkee took the attention in stride.

Toth said Yaenkee had received his certification in patrol and narcotics detection from Kromerhaus Kennels. He continued to receive annual certification through Progressive K9 Academy.

In addition to his police work, Yaenkee participated in crime watch programs, , emergency preparedness fairs and bicycle safety programs.

"Because of his temperament, Yaenkee has always been a favorite attraction for children," Toth said.

Yaenkee will continue to live with Golden, who will assume his care and expenses.

South Whitehall has purchased a new police dog now named Cirrus, who has been training with Golden. The team is expected to be certified on Dec. 16, with Cirrus starting work with the township on Dec. 17.