"I'm going to miss him. He's been a great partner to have," Ofc. David Schramek, Gainesville Police Department, said.
Dave Schramek's partner is retiring.
And tomorrow is Officer Buck's last day. For half his life, Officer Buck has been fighting crime here in Gainesville, assisting Schramek in everything from robberies to drug busts.
He is one of six dogs in the unit. And like the others... he had to do 400 hours of basic training, plus 10 hours every week to remain a top dog.
"I've trusted my life to him for numerous years... He turns into a police officer just like anyone putting on their uniform," Schramek said.
Health problems are forcing Buck to retire. He suffers from complications from a torn ligament.
Schramek says when buck leaves the K-9 unit, he's leaving too. If he can't have buck in the backseat, he's going to ride solo... as a patrol officer.
"It's just time for me to move on and do something else. I'm retiring knowing that I've had two really good dogs," Schramek said.
Schramek says it's hard to say good-bye to a co-worker who's been protecting him for so long.
"You're going to get me teary eyed," Schramek said.
So... thus ends his "tail."
Schramek says Buck will enjoy the perks many retirees do-- relaxing being at the top of the list.
But he'll also enjoy some more unusual retiree activities...
"Play on the farm with the goats and horses and everything else. And my other dogs," Schramek said.