The Whitewater Police Department’s police dog, “Tilla,” and its police K-9 handler, officer Justin Stuppy, will be leaving the department, according to information released by the City of Whitewater.
Tilla, a five-year-old, male German Shepherd dog will be retiring, the release stated.
Tilla arrived from the Netherlands and was sworn in as a member of the Whitewater Police Department in December of 2018. After months of training, he graduated from Little Rock K-9 Academy and is certified in narcotics detection, tracking lost persons or suspects, and apprehension, the release continued.
Tilla and Stuppy have served together as partners for three years. After his retirement, Tilla will continue to reside with Stuppy, who, the release noted “is ending employment with the Whitewater Police Department this week.”
Prior to his partnership with Tilla, Stuppy was the department’s K-9 handler, partnering with “Ruso,” a police dog who passed away in July of 2018, according to the release. Ruso was also trained at the Little Rock K-9 Academy.
Within the release, city officials offered thanks to residents and organizations who helped to provide funds in support of the department’s K-9 program.
The department anticipates continuing its K-9 program in 2022, the release noted.
“Tilla,” a police dog serving with the Whitewater Police Department for three years will be retiring this week. Contributed photo.
“Tilla” is pictured with Whitewater Police Department K-9 handler officer Justin Stuppy. Both will be leaving the department this week. Contributed photo.
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