Lexington, KY, August 11, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington Police Department celebrated the retirement of K9 officer Rhea, an explosives detection dog, while also remembering K9 Nufo, who recently passed away. Rhea will now enjoy retirement after her significant contributions to public safety. Nufo, who had served since 2018, made numerous achievements before transitioning to a beloved pet. The department expressed their condolences and reflected on Nufo’s impact on the community, highlighting the critical roles K9s play in law enforcement.
Lexington Police Department Celebrates Retirement of K9 Officer Rhea and Remembers K9 Nufo
The Lexington Police Department has officially celebrated the retirement of K9 officer Rhea, an explosives detection dog. After a commendable service, Rhea will now enjoy a well-deserved retirement filled with treats and playtime.
Although Rhea served for a relatively short time with the department, she had a significant impact during her tenure. Rhea was instrumental in ensuring safety at public events and responding to potential emergency situations where explosive detection was vital. The department took to social media to share their retirement announcement, extending warm wishes for Rhea’s new chapter in life.
In a somber note, the department also remembered K9 Nufo, who passed away last week due to complications from a newly diagnosed medical condition. Nufo had recently retired in July 2023 and had transitioned to living as a beloved pet alongside his partner, Officer Trey Kerwin. This duo had a long-standing history, working together in the Patrol Division since 2018.
K9 Nufo was trained in various areas including drug detection, apprehension, tracking, obedience, as well as searches of articles and buildings. He was widely recognized for his exceptional work ethic and significant contributions, particularly in narcotics seizures and tracking of missing individuals. In retirement, Nufo relished his time indulging in treats, leisurely walks, and enjoying quiet moments watching TV with Officer Kerwin and his wife.
The Lexington Police Department made an announcement regarding Nufo’s passing on Facebook, expressing their deep condolences and reflecting on his commendable service. The loss of K9 Nufo has left a profound impact on the department and everyone who had the privilege to work alongside him. Additionally, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department reported the passing of another K9, K9 Sam, also a Belgian Malinois, from a heat-related illness during a training session, further underscoring the risks faced by working dogs.
Key Contributions of K9 Rhea and K9 Nufo
- K9 Rhea: Specialized in explosives detection, played a vital role in public safety at events.
- K9 Nufo: Recognized for narcotics seizures and locating missing persons, trained in multiple law enforcement functions.
- Community Impact: Both K9s contributed significantly to community safety and law enforcement efforts.
Transition to Retirement
Upon retirement, both K9 Rhea and K9 Nufo transitioned from their rigorous law enforcement roles to more relaxed lifestyles. Rhea will now have the opportunity to engage in recreational activities while Nufo had enjoyed similar joys until his recent passing.
Historical Context
The integration of K9s into law enforcement has become increasingly prominent, with these animals serving crucial roles in public safety. Dogs like Rhea and Nufo provide essential services that enhance the operational effectiveness of police departments across the nation. Their training and capabilities are vital to various law enforcement functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was K9 Rhea’s primary role with the Lexington Police Department?
K9 Rhea specialized in detecting explosives to ensure public safety at events and during emergency calls.
When did K9 Nufo retire and what was his service history?
K9 Nufo retired in July 2023 after serving in the Patrol Division since 2018, where he contributed significantly to narcotics seizures and tracking missing persons.
How did the Lexington Police Department memorialize K9 Nufo?
The department announced Nufo’s passing on Facebook, expressing condolences and honoring his contributions to the police force and community.
Comparison of K9 Officers
| K9 Officer | Retirement Date | Primary Skills | Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| K9 Rhea | Recently Retired | Explosives Detection | N/A |
| K9 Nufo | July 2023 | Drug Detection, Tracking, Apprehension | Officer Trey Kerwin |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WLTX: Death of Retired K9 Nufo
- WIS TV: Retired Lexington Police K9 Passes Away
- WACH: Two Midlands K9 Officers Retire
- Lexington County Sheriff: From Explorer to K9
- Cola Daily: Lexington County K9 Deputy Dies
- Wikipedia: K9 Unit
- Google Search: K9 Officers News
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
