Boston Marathon Bombing K-9 Retires

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team New York gathered to commemorate K-9 Chief Camilla’s retirement from service on June 30.

During her 10 years of service, Chief Camilla was called upon to support 35 National Special Security events. She was also the only Coast Guard K-9 to respond to the Boston Marathon bombing, logging more than 60 operational hours throughout a five-day period and clearing an additional bomb threat outside the Boston Courthouse during a time of nationally heightened security.

Chief Camilla retired as a Coast Guard K-9 explosives detection dog after 10 years of dedicated service with her handler, Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas Heinen.

Chief Camilla was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal for her outstanding achievement while serving at the Maritime Security Response Team and Maritime Safety Security Team New York from June 2006 to June 2016. She maintained the highest level of readiness throughout her 10-year career by successfully completing more than 30 re-certification evolutions and completing more than 500 training hours.

“I am so honored to be standing next to my partner and best friend as she retires after 10 years of outstanding service,” said Heinen. “Though she is retired from her duties, I know she is going to continue to help train and inspire future law enforcement members of the Coast Guard.”

Heinen is transferring to the Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, South Carolina where Chief Camilla will continue to provide mentorship to the students that pass through for training.

The multi-mission Maritime Security Response Team and Maritime Safety and Security Teams of the U.S. Coast Guard provide port safety, security and law enforcement capabilities to America’s ports. 

The canines, just like their handlers, must be prepared for every situation they will encounter in their mission and train in a variety of scenarios. 

K-9s in Action