From Rescue to Bolivar Police K-9: Buddy Celebrated Upon Retirement
A longtime four-legged member of the police department was recognized for his years of dedicated service to officers and the community as K-9 Buddy officially entered retirement.
Buddy began his service in November 2020 and worked alongside his handler, Lieutenant Allen Sides, until his retirement on July 14, 2026. During those years, Buddy played an important role in investigations, evidence collection, apprehensions and drug recovery.
One of Buddy’s particularly valuable abilities was locating spent shell casings at shooting scenes. Chief Jones explained that Buddy could search areas and recover shell casings that could then be submitted for examination and potentially connected to other shootings.
At one scene, Buddy searched a field with grass approximately chest-high and successfully located rifle casings connected to shots fired at a house.
“Trying to do that with an officer, it would be next to impossible,” Lieutenant Sides said. “He’s earned his weight in gold for sure.”
Sides said becoming a K-9 handler had been one of his dreams growing up. That opportunity came in 2020 when Chief Jones placed his confidence in him and allowed him to become Buddy’s handler.
Sides recalled the many hours spent training and working alongside Buddy, noting that he often spent more time with the K-9 than with his own family. He also shared some of Buddy’s personality with those attending the retirement recognition.
“You could not make a traffic stop or talk on the radio without him wanting to talk with you,” Sides said, referring to Buddy’s tendency to bark while officers were communicating.
Allen Strickland, who trained Buddy and helped train Sides as a handler, also spoke during the recognition. Strickland said Buddy was originally a rescue and had been slated to be euthanized before being given another opportunity through K-9 training.
“Buddy is a miracle dog,” Strickland said, describing him as easy to work with and quick to take to his training.
Strickland said he knew Buddy would accomplish great things wherever he eventually served. Over the years, he occasionally received messages from Sides sharing Buddy’s latest successful find or apprehension.
During the ceremony, Chief Jones also reflected on the unique relationship that develops between a police K-9 and handler. Although officers may initially be taught to consider a K-9 a tool, he said the relationship becomes much more.
“They’re a little bit more than a pet, ’cause your pet you leave at home, but you bring [a K-9] to work to save your life and to take care of you,” Jones said.
Buddy was presented with a plaque recognizing his “faithful service, unwavering loyalty, courage” and dedication. The plaque described him as “a faithful partner, a fearless protector” and forever a member of the police department family.
With his law enforcement career now complete, Buddy will remain with Lieutenant Sides and the Sides family for his retirement.
While Buddy’s working days have come to an end, those who worked alongside him said the K-9 leaves behind a lasting legacy after nearly six years of service to officers and the community.
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