Joe Kahlo
Imagine being at your job for 56 years! Well, that’s how long K9 Officer Boomer of Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma, was at his job — 56 dog years, that is.
Boomer was first recruited to work for the park in 2011, this was after he completed narcotics detection training.
With a long list of accomplishments achieved on the job, Boomer, who is a black lab, retired after literally working like a dog protecting national parks.
Since then he has been instrumental in detecting illegal drugs at his home park, and his local community.
His valuable services were even loaned out to other parks, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and others.
Boomer has a number of certifications under his belt from the State of Oklahoma, the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association, and the American Police Canine Association and many others.
Always willing to lend a paw, Boomer’s talents have helped out at local schools and community groups and he was vital to local law enforcement agencies and even the Post Office when duty called.
Boomer spent his last weeks on the job overseeing his successor, K9 Officer Rex who was learning the ropes.
Boomer now spends a lot of time with his family while they wait on him hand and paw providing endless belly rubs and treats.
Congrats on your retirement and long career Boomer! Wish you a wonderful rest of your life.
