 After serving in the community of Baxter for the past nine years, Gator from the K9 unit is retiring. Gator reported for duty one last time yesterday and officially entered retirement this morning. During his career, Gator assisted agencies and surrounding counties and seized nearly 20 pounds of marijuana and over $90,000 in cash. Gator was released as a city asset to his handler, Sergeant Matt Mayer, to live out his retirement. Tell this point, Rossi, the new K9 has been working almost exclusively with Sergeant Mayer. So as Gator wound down his career, he in essence was kind of training up his new partner Rossi and helping him to make a smooth transition. Sergeant Matt Mayer is giving up his K9 unit duties, leaving officer Joe Sungar to take over the K9 unit responsibilities. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.