Retired K-9 Sam looks all around City Council Chambers while on Officer Devin Tucker’s leash during his ceremony.
MONROE — The whole police force lined City Hall in their finest formal uniforms to salute their own last week.
K-9 Sam couldn’t contain himself. The yellow labrador wagged his tail and barked plenty during his retirement acknowledgment. He’s been the department’s narcotics K-9 for five years, paired with Officer Devin Tucker.
He made his biggest bust in 2020 when he alerted to a stopped car in an assist to Everett Police. The car contained two kilos of heroin, 900 M-30 pills (suspected fentanyl pills), 100 grams of methamphetamine, one handgun, one rifle, $22,487 in cash, drug sale equipment and drug paraphernalia, the Tribune reported at the time.
Sam’s formal retirement was Sept. 1. He’s living the rest of his days with the Tuckers.
“He’ll continue sniffing people randomly,” Police Chief Jeff Jolley quipped to the City Council.
The department is pausing on getting a replacement narcotics dog.
Department Administrative Cmdr. Paul Ryan said by email that “we’re waiting to see how the legislature
intends to deal with (Engrossed Senate Bill) 5476,” which was the legislature’s adjustment to drug possession laws from the Blake decision. “We need to have a clearer picture of the criminality of drug possession before making a decision on the future of our narcotics K-9 program.”
Sergeant promotion
Derrick Lether at last made sergeant. He’s been an acting sergeant the past year waiting to see if he won promotion.
In nine years on the force, Lether worked in SWAT operations, as a police drone operator and other capacities.
Wife Jess Lether pinned the badge on him. She handles building permits for the city.
In his off time, he coaches youth football at the Monroe Y and the Monroe Boys & Girls Club, Jolley said.
Lether is taking over the role filled by retired Sgt. Spencer Robinson. Robinson retired in August after 17 years with Monroe Police.
