SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A retired K9 from the Springfield Police Department is receiving national recognition for his service. “The sadness,” Springfield native speaks on California rebuilding efforts March 11th will be a very big day for the Springfield Police Department's now-retired K9, Mr. Warner. Mr. Warner has been selected as a 2025 Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medalist. He will be heading to Washington, D.C. for the fifth annual Animals in War & Peace Medal Ceremony with his partner Officer Eric Blair to receive this medal. "These dogs are unsung heroes. I mean, they go out there to give everything they can. They sacrifice their bodies for us and the community. And, you know, they're just great assets of any department," said Officer Blair. This award is presented to animals distinguished by their exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility, whether on the home front or war front. Mr. Warner was with the police department for seven years, from 2014 to 2021, assisting with over 100 arrests and narcotic searches. Mr. Warner most commendable achievement was the last night he worked. Him and Officer Blair were first to respond to an armed home invasion on Lowell Street in December 2021. "He was able to lead our officers to, you know, a weapon toting suspect and also help recover the firearm that was used in the crime," said Superintendent Lawrence Akers of the Springfield Police Department. Even though Mr. Warner retired three years ago, he is also still active in the community. Once the Nero's law passed, Mr. Warner and Officer Blair came in and trained over 300 AMR employees to help them feel ready in treating canines at crime incidents. "They've done so many sessions of good hands on time. Mr. Warner is just so helpful to all of us and like really ease that comfort for our providers to work with these animals," said Kim D'Angelo, Operations Manager of AMR Springfield. Warner's efforts in the community setting up an example for seven other canines in the police department. Warner will be among three other canines to be honored in Washington, D.C. Local News Headlines Breakdown of the State of the Commonwealth address Basketball Hall of Fame Hoophall Classic begins at Springfield College Retired Springfield Police K9 to receive national recognition for service Bring your own bucket to the movies on National Popcorn Day WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.