K9 Atlas officially retires after 7 years of service

March 5, 2025
Mayor Jim Curd, right, congratulates K9 Atlas and handler Officer Nick Gonzalez on Atlas’ retirement.

A four-legged member of the Bartlesville Police Department will get to spend his well-deserved retirement years with his partner.

On Monday, the City Council approved the retirement and donation of the 11-year-old German Shepherd K9 Atlas to his handler.

Atlas began his journey with the Bartlesville Police Department in 2018, under the guidance of now Deputy Chief Troy Newell, before partnering with Cpl. Nicholas Gonzalez in 2020.

Over the years, Atlas has played a pivotal role in the department, assisting in several hundred drug cases and making a lasting impact on the community.

Atlas’ retirement will be spent with Gonzalez, who shared that Atlas is eagerly looking forward to enjoying his retirement days with his beloved Kong toy always by his side, as well as spending quality time with his family.