It’s always great to see the reaction of out of town media when they visit our Everett factory for the first time. But as much as they love to see our airplanes, they sometimes get a bigger kick out of seeing our K-9 officers.

The guest of honor enjoys his retirement party. All photos by Marian Lockhart.

Today, Boeing’s Security & Fire Protection organization honored the career of Stryker, a Boeing K-9 dog who retired at the end of last year. Stryker was hired by Boeing in 2006 and was considered the “Top Dog” on the team of Boeing K-9s. He was Boeing’s first shelter dog—coming from the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)— and was also the first dog to be fully trained inside the company.

Adept at inspecting planes prior to deliveries along with incoming freight, luggage and packages, one of Stryker’s major responsibilities was to be present when a site is swept for explosives. His job is to check incoming vehicles and sniff packages and items left behind. Stryker, like all Boeing K-9 unit members, is trained to deal with bomb threats, find weapons, work special events and assist in protecting dignitaries and important visitors.

Stryker and his handler, Chad Olson, are one of 12 Boeing K-9 teams—plus one puppy in training. Chad says Stryker loves to come up to you and put his paws up as if to shake a hand or offer a hug.

While he’ll still live with Chad and is part of the Olson family, Stryker will start a new career as a therapy comfort and companion dog at a senior center in Snohomish County. The senior center has been the recipient of the Boeing Employees Community Fund grants in the past, and we know he’ll provide plenty of joy to all the seniors there— just as he did to anyone he ever encountered at Boeing.

Enjoy your retirement Stryker—and thanks for keeping a watchful and protective eye on us all these years.

Check out a video feature we did on Stryker’s party.