Burlington Police Dog Havoc Retiring After 10 Year Career

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington police dog Havoc will retire from the department this week, Chief Michael Kent announced Monday. His last shift will be Sat, Feb. 15, the 10 year anniversary of the day Havoc's handler, Officer Joseph Papsedero, picked him out, alongside Boston Police Department Master K-9 Trainer Troy Caisey. Havoc, a Slovakian-born German Shepherd, joined the department at 10 months old.

“This will give him exactly 10 years of service with us,” Papsedero said in a statement. “Not many K-9s have such a long, and in my opinion, distinguished career”.

Havoc will live with Papsedero in his retirement.

“I would like for him to spend some time just being a dog, he has earned that and much more," Papsedero said.

Havoc holds certifications as a patrol and narcotics detective K-9 and has been deployed hundreds of times in Burlington and surrounding communities, according to Kent's release. He is a member of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) Regional Response Team’s K-9 Unit and has responded to major incidents.

“This is a well deserved retirement," Chief Kent said. “You couldn’t ask for a better employee. All of us at the Burlington Police Department wish K-9 Havoc the best.”

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.