From the archives: Suffolk cops retire much-honored K-9 veteran

This story was originally published in Newsday on March 9, 2005.

One of Suffolk's most accomplished cops worked for years with no gun, no bulletproof vest and yesterday, at his retirement ceremony, got only a bone with a red ribbon on it. But that's OK - he's a dog.

Boomer, who retired yesterday from the Suffolk County Police Department after the equivalent of 47 human years of service, barely barked about his bone and promptly chewed on the parting gift.

Officials said that was typical of Boomer, 10, who had accepted assignments with grace throughout his eight-year career in the K-9 unit. He was not one to hound supervisors over crummy assignments, working conditions or the food.

Even as Suffolk County Police Commissioner Richard Dormer announced Boomer would be spending more time reclining with paws up, Boomer stood still, his ears perked up and his tail wagging, a true cop's dog.

"I just have to say this is a sad day, believe it or not, that Boomer is leaving us," Dormer said. "He's really done a terrific job for officers' safety."

Indeed, Boomer took six stab wounds in one incident in January of last year, when he sniffed out a suspect who police wanted for assaulting his girlfriend in Rocky Point.

The man emerged from hiding under a bush on Tulip Road and stabbed Boomer over his eye, shoulders and hindquarters. The suspect also slashed the hand of Officer John Mallia, a 25-year veteran who has been Boomer's only handler.

In six weeks, Boomer was back on the job.

He was one of 18 dogs in the canine unit, a highly trained force that serves a vital function, said Sgt. John Durkin. The dogs, all German shepherds imported from Europe, are trained for patrol and then move on to specialties, he said. "No team has enjoyed the degree of success earned by Police Officer John Mallia and his canine partner, Boomer," he said. "No one even comes close."

Boomer's forte was finding cadavers. He worked a grueling nine days at Ground Zero after the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center.

Mallia said Boomer's response time is a tad slower than it was in his prime, and he's not as fast on his paws as he was in his heyday. He won't be needing those skills where he's going, though.

"Boomer will be staying home with my wife, just normal retirement - eating a lot, gaining weight, much like we're going to do when we get to our retirement age," Mallia said, adding Boomer has already packed 15 pounds onto his once-trim 75-pound frame. "He's been a good dog and I will sorely miss [working with] him."

All about Boomer

Born: Nov. 12, 1994

Breed: German shepherd

Patrol certified:

July 1996

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

First to reach Brian Petrie, a partially paralyzed Shirley man trapped under his ATV in summer 1997

Helped with the recovery effort at the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attack.

Was stabbed six times at scene in 2004 but held his ground until suspect was apprehended

AWARDS

Cop of the Year, 1999 and 2003

Cop of the Month, August 2003

Top Cop, Suffolk Police Reserves, August 2003

ASPCA Trooper Award, 2004

Certificate of Special Recognition, January 2002

Suffolk Police Reserves Service Award for 9/11 recovery efforts