Columbia Police Department K-9 Matt Retiring After Long Partnership With Chief Burton

Columbia Police Department K-9 Matt is officially retiring on May 1st, 2025, after a long partnership with Chief of Police Evan Burton since 2016.

Originally from the Czech Republic and born on November 11th, 2014, K-9 Matt is a German Shepherd who came to the United States following his initial law enforcement training in Germany. Throughout his career, K-9 Matt served both the Russell County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbia Police Department. He was a valuable dual-purpose canine, certified in patrol, criminal apprehension, tracking, and narcotics detection.

K-9 Matt played a significate role in numerous arrest for Kentucky law enforcement agencies, including apprehending wanted individuals and drug trafficking offenders. Among many of this accomplishments, K-9 Matt was recognized as Columbia’s 2020 Best City Official / Employee.

In his retirement, K-9 Matt will enjoy farm life in Adair County, Kentucky. Columbia Chief of Police Evan Burton reflected on his time as a K-9 handler, sharing the important lessons he learned: to always “trust your dog” and to “to be the person your dog thinks you are.”

(Kila Kean, Secretary – Columbia Police Department)