K-9 Ruger, a black Labrador Retriever, worked for the Goodlettsville Police Department and retired at the end of 2023. He served for 8.5 years and helped keep the city safe. K-9 Ruger was certified in narcotic work and completed over 1,000 hours of training with W. Dean Hunter at Canine Command LLC. His partner, Lt. Matt Shoesmith, worked with him during his tenure at the department. Together, they took numerous amounts of narcotics and weapons off the streets and put criminals behind bars.
During his time with the Goodlettsville Police Department, K-9 Ruger was utilized over 1,000 times for open air sniff while on patrol. He seized over $350,000 in his career and helped numerous agencies including Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, 18th Judicial Drug Task Force, Hendersonville Police Department, and the Millersville Police Department. K-9 Ruger even earned 5 nationally recognized awards, which is a remarkable achievement.
K-9 Ruger also went to schools, Boy Scout troops, and other public events to meet with children and discuss what all a police K-9 does. He loved to go on walks, play with his tennis ball, and training days.
In his retirement, K-9 Ruger plans on taking many naps, chewing on a ball, and eating all the treats he can get. He was recognized for his retirement by the Board of Commissioners in January.
Thank you, K-9 Ruger, for your service to Goodlettsville! •