In every law enforcement agency, K-9 officers serve as indispensable and precious resources. Their exceptional capability to trace, discover, and offer steadfast assistance renders them a vital component of policing.
Among these committed canine officers, German Shepherd Maya has emerged not just as a proficient officer, but also as a cherished member of the UW-Madison police community.
Following ten years of devoted service, it was time for Maya to retire, but not before her teammates celebrated with a gathering in her honor.
Sweet Princess, Maya
June 16th, 2023, turned out to be a poignant day for the UW-Madison Police Department in Wisconsin, marking K-9 Maya’s final day ‘on duty’.
“After 10 wonderful years of service, she’s retiring. Maya — THANK YOU for your innumerable hours of dedication. Your relentless efforts ensured safety for hundreds of thousands…both on campus and elsewhere. Relish your retirement, sweet Maya!! 😭,” the UWPD shared on their Facebook.
K-9 Maya began her career with the UW-Madison PD in June 2013, paired with Sgt. Nic Banuelos. She specialized in explosive detection and human tracking, and her police family attests to her outstanding performance during her service.
Deeply cherished by her fellow officers and friends, her last day prior to retirement absolutely warranted a grand celebration in her name.
Everyone gathered to honor this lovely girl and reflect on all the remarkable work she had accomplished, along with giving her a heartfelt farewell.
Maya appeared to be overjoyed by the affection she was receiving, and undoubtedly, she sensed that her days of fighting crime and serving her community were now behind her.
She was even adorned with a tiara, fitting for the genuine princess she is. This tiara symbolized the dedication she had shown, and served as their way of expressing ‘thank you, Maya’.
“Throughout her tenure at UWPD, K9 Maya answered over 370 service calls and safeguarded numerous dignitaries, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the President of the United States,” the UW–Madison Police Department noted.
Not only did she achieve remarkable success during her service, but more importantly, she won the affection of all who encountered her.
An Unexpected Conclusion
I wish I could proclaim that Maya is thoroughly enjoying her retirement with the Banuelos family, but regrettably, that is not the reality.
Merely a month following her official retirement, Maya grew seriously unwell.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of retired K9 Maya. Maya recently experienced severe illness – and on Friday, July 21, 2023, surrounded by her family, she departed,” the police department conveyed in their statement.
Just as she retired to enjoy her life as a regular dog, her time was cut tragically short, yet we find solace in knowing she is now likely at rest in doggy paradise.
In tribute to K-9 Maya, her police department orchestrated one last salute to a faithful officer. Multiple departments participated in this ceremonial procession.
One of Maya’s colleagues shared her heartfelt farewell to this lovely girl:
“I eagerly anticipated our morning “meetings” in my workspace and was excited to treat you! You brought immense joy to my life during some very challenging times last year and I’ll always be grateful for your unwavering love ❤️ Your family in Blue will handle things from here, sweet girl. 💙💔💙💔💙”
Soar high, sweet girl, you will be dearly missed.
