K-9 deputy retires after successful 8-year career in Fort Bend County

FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas – The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office will soon say good-bye to a very important member.

K-9 Deputy Michael Malinois — whose nickname is Mike — is retiring after eight years with the Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force. He has been part of more than a hundred demonstrations at various organizations and has aided in the seizing of millions of dollars in drugs.

His first handler was Det. Scott Newton before he later joined forces with Det. Matthew Hricko.

"K-9 Mike has proven himself time and time again," Hricko said. "He has never complained about working the highway in over a hundred degree temperatures, midnight call-outs, or searching for narcotics in the most undesirable locations."

Deputies said K-9 Mike has helped seize 220 pounds of cocaine, 75 pounds of methamphetamines, 25,745 pounds of marijuana, and five pounds of heroin during his career. He has been involved in more than 250 criminal cases which have led to more than 300 arrests, the department said.

In 2012, the team was awarded second place at the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association Regional Narcotics Competition, and the following year, they placed third in the N.N.D.D.A. National Narcotics competition.

"K-9 Mike has been an extraordinary deputy not only for Fort Bend County, but for the entire region. We hope he enjoys his retirement," said Sheriff Troy E. Nehls. 

Deputies are holding a special ceremony celebrating his retirement Friday at the Gus