La Crosse K-9 Officer Ralph retires after 8 years of service -- 56 dog years!

LA CROSSE -- A K-9 officer in western Wisconsin is retiring after eight years of service with the La Crosse Police Department. That's 56 dog years!

Fellow officers held a retirement ceremony Monday, August 1st to say thank you and goodbye to Ralph.

Ralph came on board in 2008 after community donations made obtaining a K-9 officer possible.

His human partner said it will be odd going to work without his long-time pal.

"Every day he's on the street with me, for the past five years. It's going to be odd going to work without him, but I think he'll enjoy his retirement," Tony LeQue said.

La Crosse K-9 Officer Ralph

Ralph finished in first place at this year's U.S. Police Canine Association's National Drug Detection Trial with a perfect score.

His replacement, Luc was sworn in and received his badge on Monday.