08/31/2026
APPLETON POLICE ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT OF K9 ONYX
(APPLETON, Wis., August 31, 2026)— After five years of service with his handler, Officer Rieth, K9 Onyx will be retiring from the Appleton Police Department.
Onyx’s retirement comes after he was diagnosed with Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a degenerative eye condition that has resulted in blindness. While Onyx is otherwise doing fine, the condition prevents him from continuing his duties as a police K9.
Officer Rieth will travel to New Mexico in September to begin training with a new K9 partner. While that marks the next chapter in Officer Rieth’s career as a handler, Onyx will not be going anywhere. He will spend his retirement at home with Officer Rieth and his family, where he will have plenty of time to enjoy a well-deserved retirement filled with walks, treats, attention and, most importantly, lots of love.
During his time with our agency, Onyx has been a valued member of the Appleton Police Department and a trusted partner to Officer Rieth. We are grateful for his service and look forward to seeing him enjoy the next chapter of his life.
We also want to thank everyone who has so generously supported the Appleton Police Department K9 Fund. That generosity has helped make it possible for the department to acquire this new K9 while also ensuring all our K9s receive the highest quality care, training and equipment throughout their careers. We are incredibly grateful for the community’s continued support of these important members of our department and the work they do.
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