Wilson Police K9 dies day after retirement

WILSON (WTVD) -- The Wilson Police Department is mourning the loss of K9 officer Dakota.

Dakota worked his last shift before his planned retirement Thursday night but on the way home, handler Cotton noticed something was wrong and immediately took Dakota to the vet.

On Friday morning, Dakota passed away.

Dakota protected his handler and his community for 11 years.

He was 12 years old.