New York State Bomb Disposal K-9 Retires in Dutchess County After 8 Years of Service

New York State Police Honor Local K9 After Retirement

The New York State Police took to social media to put the spotlight on one of our local NYS Trooper K9's.

On January 1st, 2026, K9 Raya "reported for her final shift and officially entered retirement." K9 Raya gave 8 years of dedicated service to Troop K's Bomb Disposal Unit.

Police K9's are usually named after a fallen officer or an officer who made an impact on the department. K9 Raya was no different. According to the New York State Police K9 Raya was named in honor of Trooper Raymond J. Chippendale.

Trooper Chippendale was "fatally injured in the line of duty in 1932 while operating his motorcycle."

K9 Raya served alongside Trooper Brennan P. Keeler who said in the statement that K9 Raya "faithfully protected the public and helped safeguard high volume community events."

Keeler adds that she was a trusted partner and a stead presence when it mattered most.

Local Officials Celebrate K9 Raya's Retirement

As news of K9 Raya's retirement started to make the rounds, local officials came out to wish the K9 well.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino shared her well wishes on Facebook writing "After 8 years of dedicated service with Troop K’s Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 Raya is officially hanging up her harness."

READ MORE: Ulster County K9 Hero Passes After Years of Dedicated Service

She went to share how important K9 Raya's work was and the legacy she carried of Trooper Chippendale adding:

To carry that name while protecting the people of Dutchess is a tribute of the highest order. Raya, you have served the legacy of Trooper Chippendale—and all of Dutchess County—with bravery and grace.

Executive Serino concluded by wishing K9 Raya a "long, happy retirement she truly deserves!"

P.S. We wish Raya a retirement filled with treats and sunshine, though we suspect Trooper Keeler might still catch her trying to "sniff out" where the hidden snacks are kept

We have a feelin K9 Raya will be able to find all the hidden snacks.

K9 Raya's First Year On The Job

We took a look at the New York State Police Facebook page for photos of K9 Raya and came across a photo from what looks like her first year on the job.

The post reads "Dog Days of Summer - Meet K9 Raya of Troop K, SP Livingston. Named after Trooper Raymond J Chippendale, Raya is trained in explosives detection, tracking and handler protection."

We learn that while she's off duty K9 Raya likes "running around the property and playing with the four girls she lives with." She also enjoys watching the chickens. Here's to hoping K9 Raya gets to do a lot more of that in retirement life.