ARLINGTON—It is with profound sadness that the Arlington Police Department announces the passing of retired Police Narcotics Detection Canine (K9) Tara. End of Watch (EOW): October 17, 2024.
K9 Tara fought bravely against an aggressive form of cancer but passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving adopted family, including her former handler and lifelong partner, former APD Officer Kendahl Metcalfe.
K9 Tara began her distinguished career in November of 2015, when she was sworn into service with the Arlington Police Department. She was initially partnered with Officer Molly Ingram and later reassigned to Officer Kendahl Beecher in May of 2018. Officer Beecher, who later married and was known as Officer Metcalfe, worked side-by-side with K9 Tara until February 2021, when she left the department to embark on a new chapter in her life. Together, they transitioned to a fulfilling life on a family farm, where Tara continued to enjoy her retirement, filled with love, care, and companionship.
K9 Tara’s contributions to the Arlington community were invaluable. Over her 5 years of service, she played a critical role in countless narcotics-related operations, including drug detection, vehicle and location searches, and search warrant executions. Her dedication led to numerous successful drug-related arrests, directly contributing to the safety and well-being of our community.
More than her accomplishments, K9 Tara will be remembered for her unwavering loyalty, her tenacity in the field, and her gentle, loving spirit off duty. She exemplified the bond between a police K9 and their handler—a partnership rooted in trust, bravery, and unconditional love.
K9 Tara’s legacy will forever remain a part of the Arlington Police Department and the community she faithfully served. Her life was a testament to the extraordinary contributions of police K9s, and her memory will be cherished by those who knew her and those whose lives she touched.
Our thoughts are with Kendahl Metcalfe and her family during this time of loss. Rest in peace, K9 Tara. You served with honor and devotion, and your impact will never be forgotten.
“Faithful to the end.”
SOURCE: Arlington PD
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
One Response
I’m so sad you lost your K9. She was beautiful and a good girl she was catching all those bad behavior people.