St. Joseph County Sheriff Redman recently announced the retirement of County Police K9 Luna and presented her handler Sgt. Parmelee with a recognition plaque. Luna began serving the Department and Community in January of 2020.

K9 Luna is a Dutch Shepherd, born on May 03, 2018, in Poland. Luna was transported to the United States to the FMK9 Facility and purchased by the St. Joseph County Police Department in January 2020. Luna and her handler, Sgt. Matthew Parmelee completed a ten-week basic training course in partnership with the Elkhart City Police Department in March 2020 and then were assigned to third detail mid-night patrol.

In October of 2020 while attempting to locate a wanted subject K9 Luna was shot in the back hip area by the suspect. Luna underwent surgery to remove the bullet from her hip and months of medical treatment. Luna returned to third detail patrol less than two months after the shooting.

During her career, Luna assisted with locating suspects and narcotics for County Police Department along with the Mishawaka PD, South Bend PD, State Police, and Pokagon Tribal Police. Luna’s largest drug seizure occurred when she alerted on a vehicle that yielded 1 kilo of methamphetamine. Luna has also assisted in locating several lost children and adults.

K9 Luna began to suffer from PTSD and anxiety while riding in the patrol car. Luna loves to play ball, eat sticks, and chase cats at home. Luna is currently four years and four months old. Sgt. Parmelee and K9 Luna would like to think the Police Department and community for their love and support during the shooting incident.

During the retirement presentation Sheriff Redman stated, “on that October day in 2020 Luna did her job and drew fire away from our officers and towards her. She is hero for that. We wish her the best as she lives out her life playing ball, eating sticks, and chasing those cats. We love you, Luna. Thank you”