SANFORD, Fla. – The Sanford Airport Police Department has some big paws to fill.
Their trusty K-9 Poeki retired Tuesday after six years of keeping the airport safe from explosives.
Poeki has had an impressive career at the Sanford Airport. He has protected presidents including Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and even helped ensure safety at huge events such as Superbowl 47 and the Daytona 500.
The Belgium Malnois has been having back problems that make it hard for him to perform his duties, so he will be giving up his job to a younger replacement. Two-year-old Guinness, a black lab, has taken over and is earning the same TSA Explosive Detection certification that Poeki had.
Poeki will go home with with his partner, Officer Michael Robbins.
"Poeki's been here for the last six years, so he thinks this is home turf and stuff like that," Robbins said.
Guinness will begin immediately, but is still finishing his training.