May 4. By Dave Vieser. After nine years of service, Cornelius Police K-9 German Shepherd “Britt” received a standing ovation at the Cornelius Town Board Meeting upon his retirement.

Britt, who joined the force in October 2012, will now live permanently with his handler, Cpl. Robert Russell, who praised Britt’s service to the town.

“Over the past nine years he has been instrumental in tracking and arresting wanted persons, detecting narcotics, and locating missing or endangered children and adults,” Russell said.

A social animal

Photo: Cornelius Police Dept.

Britt is extremely social and enjoys interacting with people of all ages, including visiting schools and daycare centers where he “absolutely loved” meeting with students and children.

Britt also held the highest level of tracking certifications from the United Police Working Dogs Association and the American Police Canine Association for many years.

Zon on duty May 10

Taking Britt’s place will be another German Shepherd named Zon.

Zon and his new handler Officer Sam Dellinger are finishing their training now and will be on duty beginning May 10.