K-9 Taco, a beloved member of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in South Florida, bid farewell to his active duty days after six years of dedicated service in a heartwarming ceremony.

The retirement marks the end of a storied chapter defined by loyalty, bravery and an unbreakable bond between a dog and his handler.

Corporal Matt Aitken, with 18 years of service under his belt, vividly recalled the day he first met K-9 Taco in 2019.

“He came from the Netherlands, and when we started testing him, off the charts, he tested great. At the end of testing, he jumped into my arms, and so I ran into my car and put him in,” Aitken reminisced. “It was the best decision I ever made. I wouldn’t be here without this dog, for sure.”

Throughout his career, K-9 Taco proved himself to be an invaluable asset to law enforcement.

With an impressive track record of apprehending 79 suspects and numerous accolades, including first place in agility at the Police Canine Association competition, K-9 Taco exemplified the highest standards of service and dedication.

However, it was a fateful encounter on March 12, 2023, that forever altered the dynamic between Aitken and Taco.

Responding to a suspicious person’s call, Aitken and K-9 Taco found themselves confronting an armed suspect.

Without hesitation, the suspect opened fire, striking Aitken three times.

In the face of danger, K-9 Taco fearlessly intervened, allowing another deputy, Sergeant Jake Viano, to neutralize the threat and ultimately save Aitken’s life.

Reflecting on the harrowing experience, Aitken was profoundly grateful for his loyal companion.

“He feels like home. I wouldn’t be here without him,” he declared. “He’s not my partner, he’s my brother.”

The bond between Aitken and Taco only deepened during Aitken’s recovery in the hospital, where Taco’s visit provided much-needed solace. “I sit down, and Taco just put his head in my lap. I mean, they know. They’re brilliant. They know,” Aitken recalled emotionally. “When we first saw each other, it was immediately like, ‘My God, this dog saved my life.’”

In a touching gesture, Aitken decided to retire K-9 Taco in January, 10 months after the life-saving incident.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri honored Taco’s service by gifting him to Aitken and his family.

“Now that he’s home with us, I’ll never forget what he did. My family will never forget what he did,” Aitken remarked gratefully. “He’s earned every bit of it.”

As both Aitken and Taco transition to a new chapter in their lives, their connection is a testament to the enduring partnership between law enforcement officers and their K-9 counterparts.

With K-9 Taco’s retirement, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office bids farewell to a true hero whose courage and loyalty will be remembered for years to come.