325th Security Forces retire Military Working Dog Published Feb. 23, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The United States Air Force is made up of of individuals who take a path less traveled, a path devoted to serve and protect. Members of the United States Air Force are Wingmen, warriors, and at the 325th Security Forces squadron, also includes our four-legged comrades in arms. Dak Kilo-444 was a dual-certified military working dog at Tyndall security forces. He was officially retired from active-duty service February 15, 2012. During the ceremony, Dak received commendation for his dedication and service. Dak was born July 14, 2005. In 2006, he was evaluated in Germany for his acceptance into the Department of Defense military working dog program. After much training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in 2006, Dak was fully certified as a narcotics and patrol military working dog. He arrived here in the summer of 2007. Throughout his military career, he has conducted more than 3,500 hours of counter-drug and patrol support protecting approximately 112 aircraft and more than 19,000 military and civilian personnel. "Dak was the first military working dog I was able to certify and it was apparent Dak had one of the best narcotics noses in the business," said Major Jeffery Adams, 325th Security Forces Squadron commander. "He is a true Centurion and it was an honor to have him in our unit." The term Centurion is derived from the Roman Legions. The position of the Centurion represented the peak of leadership advancement. They were expected to engage in combat and lead from the front of their unit; they became expert warriors and leaders. During President Barack Obama's visit, Dak served as a force-multiplier, ensuring base perimeters were secure during the President's arrival and departure. He has also executed the apprehension of 12 different suspects wanted for various offenses in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. In addition to supporting missions stateside and assisting with local law enforcement, he also aided in fighting the war on terror. Dak has deployed to Camp Bucca, Iraq and to Joint Base Balad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his tours he completed approximately 296 foot patrols and approximately 74 random antiterrorism measures totaling more than 220 hours of air base defense. In addition to his contributions to the war on terror, Dak had his own battles. Dak was diagnosed with cancer April 1, 2011. After months of chemotherapy, he beat his battle with cancer. After an extensive medical screening, it was noted that Dak was cancer free and was returned to full working status. "On February 1, 2012, Dak was taken to the vet because his handler had noticed Dak was gaining weight at a rapid rate," said Technical Sgt. Todd Shumate, 325th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge military working dog section. "It was discovered that Dak had fluid build-up in his abdomen." Dak was given a referral to be screened at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine by a Internal Medicine Resident. They discovered that Dak had severe liver failure due to liver toxicity associated with the chemotherapy. Dak was euthanized Feb. 22. "During his final moments, Dak got to play with his reward that he loved so much," said Sergeant Shumate. "He was loved on by all the handlers one last time. All of the handlers said their goodbyes and were with Dak when he passed. Dak was a great military working dog and was a favorite by all who came in contact with him. His personality was what was unique about him; it led him to be able to reach out and leave a paw print on the hearts of all the handlers that he was partnered with." His last partner was Staff Sgt. Brandon Rimmer. "Dak and I worked together for the last eight months," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Rimmer, 325th Security Forces Squadron, military working dog handler. "We dealt with domestic disturbances and a drug incidents. He's a one of a kind dog, it was great working with him and he will forever be missed." "It's not an easy task to earn the title Military Working Dog in the dog world but Dak earned that title and lived up to it each and every single day," said Sergeant Shumate. "As what was quoted to Dak at his retirement ceremony, I would like to end his story with saying 'take a break K-9, job well done'."