Stoughton Police Department Announces Retirement of K-9 Dino

Stoughton Police Officer Ed Barker with K-9 Dino. (Photo Courtesy Stoughton Police Department)

STOUGHTON — Chief Donna McNamara and the Stoughton Police Department would like to announce the retirement of K-9 Dino after more than eight years of dedicated service to the department and surrounding communities.

K-9 Dino, partnered with Officer Ed Barker since February 2016, officially retired from duty in April due to a medical emergency sustained in 2024 that prevents him from returning to active service, despite being healthy now. Officer Barker will remain with the department, while K-9 Dino will enjoy retirement at home with his longtime handler and partner.

Throughout his career, K-9 Dino assisted the Stoughton Police Department and neighboring agencies with numerous operations, including searches for missing persons, suspects and evidence. His presence and capabilities have been an asset to public safety across the region.

“K-9 Dino has served the Town of Stoughton with distinction and loyalty, and we are grateful for his years of service,” Chief McNamara said. “We thank him for his contributions and wish him a comfortable and happy retirement with Officer Barker.”

The department plans to begin the process of selecting a new handler and acquiring a new police K-9 later in 2025 to continue the important work of the K-9 Unit.

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