Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Aug 30: The Udupi district police dog ‘Icon’, a Labrador Retriever, has officially retired after an impressive 10 years and 25 days of service in the explosive detection unit. Born on August 5, 2014, Icon joined the canine division on November 5, 2014, under the supervision of handler Ganesh M.

Icon underwent rigorous nine-month training in explosive detection at CAR South Adugodi from November 25, 2014, to August 30, 2015. After completing the training, Icon was deployed across Udupi district and other regions, where he successfully carried out over 417 special duties. His role was crucial in ensuring safety during high-profile visits from the President, Prime Ministers, chief ministers, foreign dignitaries, and other VIPs. Icon also contributed significantly to security measures during major events such as the Air Show, G-20 Summit, Datta Jayanti, international cricket matches, the Sagar Kavach exercise, and daily duties at Malpe Port, Kaup Lighthouse, Manipal University, railway stations, Nagarjuna, Mysuru Dasara, the National Narcotics Conference, and the detection of a crude bomb in Brahmavar, among others.

On February 22, 2020, Icon was awarded a silver medal at the Police Duty Meet, bringing honour to Udupi district and the police department.

The retirement ceremony was attended by superintendent of police Dr Arun K, IPS, additional superintendent of police Parameshwara Hegde, Udupi sub-division deputy superintendent of police Prabhu D T, district armed reserve deputy superintendent of police Timmappa Gowda G, district armed reserve inspector S Ravikumar, along with various district officers and staff.