Monticello Police K9 “Rocco” was retired on Thursday after 6 1/2 years of dedicated service with the Village of Monticello Police Department.

Rocco is a 9 year-old German shepherd and was handled in those 6 1/2 years by Monticello Police Officer John Calvello Jr.

K9 Rocco was formally trained for his K-9 patrol service duties and illegal narcotics scent detection through the New York State Police Canine training program at Cooperstown, NY.

During his 6 1/2 year career, Rocco made numerous criminal apprehensions, illegal narcotics detection finds and assisted other Sullivan County Police agencies in scent tracking at crime scenes or searches for lost persons.

Rocco also visited various schools and civic organizations to show off his training skills and to promote the Monticello Police k-9 Unit program.

Rocco will now enjoy his much deserved retirement at home with PO Calvello and his family.

(YWN Sullivan County Newsroom)