By Kevin Smith
A German Shepherd named Faust, a beloved K-9 officer, served as an Explosives Detection and Patrol dog with the BNSF Railway Police Force in Texas. For eight years, Faust consistently demonstrated exceptional proficiency in serving and safeguarding the community alongside his handler, Senior Special Agent Bryan Schaffer.
In recognition of his invaluable contributions to the community and the nation, Faust received an emotional send-off into retirement. Prepare to be moved by the story of bravery, loyalty, and the lasting impact of this exceptional K-9 officer.
An Emotional Farewell
Riding one last time in his patrol vehicle with his beloved handler, K-9 Faust was unaware that he was about to receive his final radio call and an emotional tribute for his remarkable journey and dedication. On March 3, 2017, Faust’s last day of work on the Fort Worth police force, he was given the traditional last radio call for retiring officers.
The video, posted on BNSF Railway’s YouTube channel, shows Faust and his handler, Bryan Schaffer, seated in the squad car while the dispatcher utters the final radio call:
“K-9 partner Faust just completed his last shift after serving as an Explosives Detection and Police Service canine for eight years and one day, and he is now officially retired. Faust, thank you for your service to the BNSF Railway, the communities you’ve served, and most importantly, for serving and protecting your handler. Now, we wish you a well, healthy, and happy retirement. Radio clear.”
K-9 Faust can be heard whimpering by the end of the call, and his handler of eight years was completely overwhelmed with emotion. With a sad look on his face, Officer Schaffer gave Faust a kiss.
The clip, originally posted on YouTube on March 6, 2017, has since been viewed more than 720,000 times. You can watch Faust’s emotional send-off into retirement here:
Thank You For Your Service
“Faust, thank you for all the good you have done for BNSF and other agencies – but mostly I thank you for getting us both home safe after every shift,” Special Agent Bryan Schaffer said in the farewell post on Facebook. “He is now officially a permanent part of our family,” Officer Schaffer concluded.
Sadly, after three years of enjoying retirement as a permanent member of the Schaffer family, Faust passed away in 2020 at the age of 13.
To Officer Schaffer, Faust was more than just a partner.
“The connection between Faust and me was unlike anything I’ve had with any other dog. He saw me at my best and my worst. He saw me laugh and cry. I spent more time with him than with my own family. We just had something special,” Schaffer said.
The impeccable work ethic that set the standard for everyone, his courage, bravery, enthusiasm, and happy spirit were some of the things that made Faust so special. He was inducted into the We Ride to Provide (WRTP) Hall of Fame after his death, BNSF Railway recently posted on their Instagram.
Faust’s legacy will live on forever.
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