Luger hangs up his leash
Police Dog (PD) Luger has retired after seven years’ service, almost exclusively in the Moreton Police District.
Luger is adjusting to a slower lifestyle on the property of his former handler, Senior Constable Chadd Christie, with canine companions Lucky and Loco.
The leash has been handed on to PD Wolf, who will join Sen Const Christie in the coming weeks.
In announcing the retirement, Moreton Police District said PD Luger “eagerly anticipated” each shift and was often seen pacing his yard, greeting police cars, ready for action".
Despite a “fearless commitment to his duties”, Luger also had a playful side and a “peculiar habit of cooling off his paws in his water dish after a strenuous day’s work”.
PD Luger was part of numerous successful police operations, notably in tracking down armed robbery suspects, showing remarkable courage and skill on each occasion.
“In one instance, PD Luger pursued and apprehended an alleged violent offender who had fled the scene of an armed robbery, holding him down until assistance arrived,” said the Moreton District announcement.
“On another occasion, he fearlessly tracked an alleged armed robber into dense bushland, ultimately securing the suspect’s capture.”
Sen Const Christie was also named Queensland Police Dog Handler of the Year in 2020 for his work.
PD Luger’s legacy lives on in the Dog Squad Mural at Caboolture Watch House, marking his contribution, alongside canine comrades.
The mural captures a poignant moment, with a hint of blue in Luger’s eye, reflecting Senior Constable Christie’s presence during the photograph.
It also highlights the artist’s attention to detail, Fiona Groom, who captured where PD Luger had bumped his head and taken out a piece of fur.