Lexington, August 12, 2025
News Summary
The Lexington Police Department (LPD) marked the retirement of K9 officer Rhea, a specialized explosives detection dog, while also mourning the passing of K9 Nufo. Rhea’s contributions to community safety during her service were celebrated, and she now transitions to a loving home. Nufo, who passed shortly after retirement, was remembered for his dedication and bond with Officer Trey Kerwin. Additionally, K9 Bodi and K9 Blesck from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department are also retiring, highlighting the important roles K9s play in law enforcement.
Lexington
The Lexington Police Department (LPD) has celebrated the retirement of its K9 officer, Rhea, a specialized explosives detection dog, marking the end of her service after significantly contributing to community safety.
Rhea has officially concluded her role with the department, during which she was instrumental in various events and emergency calls aimed at enhancing public safety. While her time with LPD may have been brief, her involvement in crucial missions underscored her value to the team. She is now transitioning to a new home, where she is expected to enjoy her retirement surrounded by her new family, with plenty of treats and toys to enjoy.
Alongside the joyous occasion of Rhea’s retirement came the somber news of the passing of K9 Nufo, who served as a valuable member of the Lexington Police Department until last week. Nufo passed away due to complications arising from a recently diagnosed medical condition. He had retired just three months earlier in July 2023 and was living with his partner, Officer Trey Kerwin.
Nufo and Officer Kerwin had a longstanding professional relationship, having worked together in the Patrol Division since 2018. Throughout his career, Nufo was trained in various essential skills, including drug detection, apprehension, tracking, obedience, and building and article searches. His dedication and work ethic left a lasting impression on the department, and he will be remembered for his incredible drive throughout his service.
In his retirement, Nufo relished enjoying treats, taking walks, playing with his Kong toy, and relaxing on the couch with Officer Kerwin and his wife. His retirement was filled with the comfort and love that a devoted working dog deserves after years of service.
Alongside Rhea and Nufo, two other K9s from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) are also heading into retirement. K9 Bodi, who joined the LCSD in June 2018, is recognized for completing over 600 deployments. Meanwhile, K9 Blesck, who began his service in May 2016, has also completed over 500 deployments. The LCSD has expressed their gratitude for the exemplary service of both retiring K9s, acknowledging their considerable contributions during their tenure.
The honoring of Rhea and remembrance of Nufo symbolizes not only the dedication of these K9 officers but also the significant roles they played in maintaining public safety. Each K9 has not only adapted to their duties but has often provided support and companionship to their human counterparts, establishing bonds that last beyond their years of service.
Key Contributions of K9 Officers
- Rhea: Explosives detection, community safety operations.
- Nufo: Drug detection, tracking, and various patrol duties.
- K9 Bodi: Over 600 deployments since June 2018.
- K9 Blesck: Over 500 deployments since May 2016.
Tributes to Retired K9s
Both Rhea and Nufo’s retirements highlight a chapter of dedicated service within law enforcement, where their roles significantly impacted not just their teams but also the broader community. With their retirements, the department looks forward to continuing its mission of safety with the remaining K9 units and future recruits.
FAQ
What was K9 Rhea’s role in the Lexington Police Department?
K9 Rhea specialized as an explosives detection dog and assisted in numerous events to ensure public safety.
What happened to K9 Nufo?
K9 Nufo passed away due to complications from a medical disorder shortly after his retirement.
When did K9 Nufo retire?
K9 Nufo retired in July 2023 after several years of service.
What other K9s are retiring from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department?
K9s Bodi and Blesck are also retiring, each having completed significant deployments during their service.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lexington Police Department Honors K9 Rhea’s Retirement and Remembers K9 Nufo
Additional Resources
- LEX18: Lexington Police K9 Officer Rhea Retires
- Wikipedia: K9
- WLTX: Lexington Police Announce Death of Retired K9 Nufo
- Google Search: Lexington Police Department K9
- WACH: Two Midlands K9 Officers Retire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: K9 Police
- MSN: Jessamine County Announces Batman’s Medical Retirement
- Google News: K9 Retirement
- WISTV: Rest in Peace Retired Lexington Police K9
- Google Scholar: K9 Service Dogs
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
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