Coast Guard bomb detecting K-9 retires

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Kendrick | Petty Officer 1st Class Shane Coleman receives a shadow box gift on behalf of Chief Petty Officer Ferro, a Belgian Malinois and Coast Guard Explosive Detector Dog during a retirement ceremony, June 10, 2013, after nine years of service. Coleman has been partnered with Ferro for the duration of the K-9's career. After his retirement, Ferro was adopted by Coleman and his wife. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Kendrick)  

GALVESTON, TX, UNITED STATES

06.10.2013

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Kendrick 

U.S. Coast Guard District 8 PADET Houston

HOUSTON — A Coast Guard Explosive Detector Dog retired Monday at the Maritime Safety and Security Team building in Galveston, after 9 years of service.

Chief Petty Officer Ferro, a Belgian Malinois, has been employed as a Coast Guard military working dog at MSSTs for the duration of his time in service. His handler, Petty Officer 1st Class Shane Coleman, has been partnered with Ferro the whole time.

"Spanning the better part of a decade, the partnership between Ferro and Petty Officer Coleman has been a great example of the versatility for which the Coast Guard has always been known,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chad Holm, the commanding officer of MSST Galveston. “In a sense, they have been pioneers in the post 9/11 Coast Guard by employing traditional capabilities to effectively combat modern security threats in our nation's ports."

After Ferro’s retirement, the K-9 was adopted by Coleman and his wife.

One dog handler and K-9 remain at MSST Galveston and a new K-9 and handler graduate Friday, to report to the unit in place of Coleman and Ferro.

• Date Taken: 06.10.2013
• Date Posted: 06.10.2013 16:23
• Story ID: 108415
• Location: GALVESTON, TX, US