Lawrence PD K-9 honored

LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) – The Historic Fort Harrison American Legion recognized a police dog with the Lawrence Police Department Tuesday.

Axel served two tours in Afghanistan as a detection K-9. He joined Lawrence PD in 2015. His job includes searching for threats at schools, in cars and in neighborhoods.

Tuesday morning, Axel received three honors, including the American Legion Medal of Valor. His handler, Officer Matt Hickey accepted the awards on Axel’s behalf.

“People think he’s retired, but he’s just retired from the military,” Hickey said. “So, he’s just downsizing and he works every day in the community serving the citizens of Lawrence and the students of Lawrence Township Schools. So, he loves going to work every day.”

Axel joined the Lawrence Police Department thanks to the nonprofit K-9s 4 Cops.