Harrison County canine officer retires after nearly 10 years of service

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department’s first K-9 officer will officially move on to civilian life

Rebbel, a Belgian Malinois who has been a part of the department for over half a decade, will officially retire after an injury forced the dog to retire from police work. The K-9, was involved in several drug arrest during his law enforcement career and in other operations while he was in service.

“Rebbel has been assigned to patrol, the Mountaineer Highway Interdiction Team, as well as our SWAT Team,” said Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny on Rebbel’s service with the department.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, first took Rebbel into their K-9 unit back in 2016 and took off in their program. He was trained by Harrison County Sherrff’s Sargent John Laulis where he became one of the department’s most popular officers. Matheny, stated that tribute have been arranged for Rebbel at the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department’s headquarters for his long time service.

“We intend to have a plaque presented to the handler, as well as place a permanent plaque in our law enforcement facilities here at the sheriff’s office,” said Matheny.

Rebbel, even in retirement, remains a popular figure in the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. His participation in community activities and his presence on social media helped him become a fixture in Harrison County, and for Matheny, a perfect example of the benefits of having a K-9 unit for law enforcement.

“Rebbel through his work, his popularity throughout the county, kind of shows us all the need and importance of the canine,” he said about Rebbel’s impact as an officer.

Now that he is formally finished with police work, Rebbel will be taken in by Sargent Laulis and his family where he will continue to be by his colleague’s side. While another K-9 is expected to replace Rebbel in the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department in the near future, he is expected to be surely missed ad he enjoys home life.

“Rebbel has been transferred to the family, and it will enjoy civilian life,” said Matheny. “We’re really happy about that and we wish Rebbel a long and healthy retirement,” he said.