K9 Niko Retires from Cheyenne Police Department [VIDEO]

The Cheyenne Police Department has lost a doggone good officer.

K9 Niko was recognized for his 6 1/2 years of service during a retirement ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

"Niko's been so much fun to have around and work with," said Officer Pat Johnston. "We had a number of non-physical apprehensions, which is what the dog is ideally for."

Niko, who joined the K9 Unit in June 2009, contributed to 157 arrests and 535 summons being issued.

"He did a good job of letting people know that their last option was to give up," said Johnston. "As far as a deterrent to having to go hands-on with somebody, there's nothing better than a dog."

Johnston is now working with a new four-legged partner named Pavel and plans to keep Niko as a family pet.

"Niko's been a very good dog and very trust-worthy on the street, but he's always been a couch potato," said Johnston. "I think he's happy staying home and it's fun getting started with a new dog."

K9 Pavel will join the department's other three dogs, K9 Capo, K9 Ruger and K9 Jano.