COLUMBUS, Ind. – A 20-year veteran Columbus Police Department (CPD) officer, who spent most of his law enforcement career as a canine handler, has announced his and his K-9 partner’s retirement. Chad Lehman and Oxs, a seven-year-old Dutch Shepherd, completed their final patrol shifts on Wednesday morning. Lehman agreed to continue his work with police dogs.
Oxs was his second police K-9 partner, after the retirement of K-9 Rex, who worked at the Columbus Police Department with Officer Lehman for eight years. K-9 Rex was retired from duty in 2016 and remained in Lehman’s care until he passed away later that year.
Columbus Police Department K-9 supervisor Lt. John Luttrell stated, “Chad’s career was highlighted by his passion and work with police dogs. It was a pleasure to get to work alongside him for many years.”