A Clarksville Police Department K9 Police Dog, named Joker, will be spending the rest of his life not just with a well-earned retirement, but also with the person he trusts most in this world.
This retirement comes from recent medical concerns for Joker, and it was determined that retirement from duty would be in his best interest, with his last official day taking place January 9. Officer George Goodman, who has worked as Joker’s partner and handler for the last two and a half years, immediately put in to adopt Joker once he retired.
Following a unanimous vote from Clarksville City Council, K9 Joker was adopted by Officer Goodman, and now heads into a well-deserved retirement. A K9 handler forms a bond with their partner that goes far beyond routine assignments. It is a relationship built on trust, loyalty, and an unspoken understanding that grows stronger every day.
K9 Joker began his service with the Special Operations K9 Services Unit in October 2019 as a patrol service dog assigned to Officer Joshua Swaffer. When Officer Swaffer transferred to the Training Division, Goodman became Joker’s handler, and they patrolled together since 2023.
Throughout his career, K9 Joker completed hundreds of hours of training and patrol work in the City of Clarksville. Officials say Joker served with integrity and represented the Clarksville Police Department with distinction.
Now, Joker will assume a new role—one of just a dog, living with the human he loves and getting the care and love he deserves in return.