K-9 officer ‘Thunder’ retires from Erath Police Department

ERATH - Erath Police Chief Anna LaPointe informed the council and Mayor Taylor Mencacci that one of the department’s officers is retiring.
At Monday’s council meeting, LaPointe announced that Erath’s K-9 dog, Thunder, is retiring due to his age, 10 years, and a leg injury that has caused him to limp on patrol for the past two years.
Thunder was donated to the department by the Landry Family of Erath and has served for approximately seven years. Due to his injury, he has been on light duty, primarily walking through Erath schools.
He recently underwent leg surgery, but even limited activity has been difficult for him, according to the chief.
Officer Jeffery Vincent, who worked with Thunder, will now care for him as a household pet.
“When they retire, we try to keep the dog and the handler together. It makes it easier on both of them,” LaPointe added.
The Chief is uncertain whether the department will acquire a new K-9 dog in the future.
In other business, the council voted 5-0 to name Tristin Bouillion as the new Erath fire chief.