Northampton Borough Police Department K-9 Zoro's first day of retirement today has been quiet, uneventful even.

But his retirement will surely be felt by the children and others who came in contact with him during his eight years with the borough's police department.

A Czech Shepherd and specially bred canine, Zoro spent countless hours on patrol with his K-9 officer John Mullner.

Zoro underwent training to sniff out a wide array of illicit drugs, not withstanding the shifts on patrols.

Zoro spent his last day of active duty training, something he enjoyed on a routine basis to hone his skills.

Now at 9 years old, Zoro has earned retirement status.

Several weeks ago, he encountered his first major health scare. Fully recovered from surgery, Zoro was back on duty, spry and ready, after two weeks.

"[Zoro] will continue living at my home. Nothing will change," Mullner said.

According to Mullner, Zoro's favorite pastime is catch.

Mullner, who has served the borough as an officer for 25 years, will retire later this year.

Zoro has made his mark on the community. He has been dispatched to schools to conduct drug searches. At both Northern Lehigh and Whitehall high schools, Zoro was instrumental in uncovering illegal drugs.

"Zoro, on a search of a car, tore apart the dashboard and console, coming up with the drugs," Mullner added.

Zoro has always remained a friendly presence, though, to those he came in contact with.

"The first time he saw me at the kennel, Zoro escaped from the handler and went right to me," Mullner recalled.

It's a bond that continues between the two of them to this day.