The Alachua Police Department retired one of its K-9 dogs Monday night at the Alachua City Commission meeting.

K-9 Niko, a large German shepherd, was honored for 10 years of service with the police force.

His officer, David Floyd, also was honored for his service with Niko and the department. Floyd spoke at the retirement ceremony about his experiences with Niko, including his son's love of the canine.

"Every night when I came home from work, my son would ask me ‘How's Niko?'" Floyd said.

Niko came to the police department through a donation. His trainers originally planned for Niko to be a lifeguard dog, but his outstanding abilities led to his introduction with the police force.