Hassan, a 10-year-old German shepherd from Holland, has retired after eight years of dedicated service with the Upper Macungie Township Police Department.

Officer Matt Gardner, Hassan's handler, said the K-9, who was imported to the United States when he was 2 years old, was on the force from December 2007 until October 2014.

Hassan, purchased with funds from Air Products, Trexlertown, was trained in patrol tracking, searching buildings, searching open areas, apprehension of suspects, search and rescue, and explosives detection, Gardner said.

Over the years, Hassan was deployed on at least 120 patrol-related deployments, accumulated more than 30 felony surrenders, when the suspect surrendered at the sight of the dog, and three apprehensions, with the suspect caught by the K-9.

"Hassan has assisted in countless preventative sweeps for explosives assisting FBI, Secret Service and the ATF as well as numerous police agencies," Gardner said. "He has cleared rooms, areas and vehicles for three current and former presidents of the United States, several presidential candidates as well as several other high ranking government officials."

He was also called out to sweep dozens of school buildings for reported bomb threats, Gardner said.

"Hassan has assisted in the capture of a suspect wanted for a shooting murder, another wanted in connection to an auto theft ring, several offenders who stole vehicles and another wanted in connection of weapons violations and drug trafficking," he said.

Over his career, Hassan received two unit citations, The Meritorious Service Award and several written commendations.

"Hassan's retirement came at just the right time," Gardner said. "He still has the desire and drive to do the job but due to age, he no longer has the physical ability to perform at a level needed."

Rather than risk injury to Hassan or others, the decision was made to retire him.

"Hassan is in very good health," Gardner said. "He's much slower and sleeps more than he ever did, but he is feeling very well.

"As he no longer has to deal with the rigors of training and patrol work, he no longer has soreness and gets around very well.

According to Gardner, Hassan takes long naps and barks at cars passing by.

Hassan was replaced by K-9 Bico, a Belgian Malinois in October 2014.

Bico is trained to perform all the same patrol functions as Hassan. However, he is specially trained to detect narcotics instead of explosives.

Hassan and Bico both live with Gardner and his family.