Morris police K-9 officer Talon retires from service

MORRIS – According to its Facebook page, the Morris Police Department started the year with a big (and heartbreaking) announcement. As of 12 a.m. New Year’s Day, K-9 officer Talon officially has retired.

Although he seems a little young for retirement, Talon has had ongoing health issues and isn’t able to continue.

Talon came to the department on Aug. 12, 2014, and was bought through a grant from the Grundy County State’s Attorney’s Office. Talon is a Dutch shepherd and was born in the Netherlands. He actually “speaks,” or receives his commands, in Dutch, his native language. From the beginning, he was a high-drive K-9.

Talon’s handler, officer Alex Tourlakes, gave the department the scoop on Talon’s finest moments.

• Cutest Moment: There is a partition between the front and back seats of the squad car. Between the driver and passenger seats is a window that opens and allows the dog access to the front seat. When Tourlakes leaves the car, Talon will jump in the front seat and sit like he’s driving. As soon as he sees Tourlakes coming back, he jumps in the back seat again. It took forever to get a picture of it because Talon is so quick!

• Description: Bull in a China shop. Talon is a hot mess sometimes. He is notorious for knocking things over, flipping over chairs and putting holes in walls.

• Scariest Moment: anytime he jumps into a car during a search. You never know what is inside or if he may be accidentally exposed to drugs.

• Proudest Moment: The very first event Talon and Tourlakes were called to, they were asked to assist in locating a suspect who fled the scene of a traffic stop on foot. Talon located the man.

• Embarrassing Moment: Officers and Talon were searching a wooded area on the east side of town for a possibly armed suspect. Talon got loose and went charging after an alcohol, tobacco and firearms agent because he thought the ATF agent was the suspect (the agent was working a distance from all other officers). Talon went after him in a full-blown run. Luckily, the agent froze and no one died.

• Funniest Habit: If Talon is in the squad car and someone is outside the car, he will not bark until the person is right up close, usually scaring the person. It’s like he waits to draw you in and then goes for the attack. Yes, it’s happened to many of us.

Talon will retire to his executive suite at Tourlakes’ house, where he plans to live a life of luxury and sleep. Tourlakes said he will miss Talon most when he’s driving.

“Talon likes to poke through the door between the seats, lean into me and shove his face into mine,” Tourlakes said. “It’s really sweet, unless I’m on an emergency call and driving fast. It’s like he’s letting me know he’s there and has my back.”

Talon’s photo will join the photos of all of the department’s retired officers, which are located in the display cabinet in the lobby of City Hall.