A few K-9 officers within the South Bend Police Department were on a retirement tour on Thursday, and visited a group of South Bend school kids.

During their careers they've tracked shooting suspects, helped in the apprehension of robbery suspects, and sniffed out drugs.

They're trained to detect a number of things associating certain scents with rewards, and are creatures of habit according to their partners.

“They are creatures of habit. The habit is turning on our radio, the lights, putting on our uniforms, things such as that. These dogs cue into that and it's difficult for them to retire. We all have a family and kids and they will have a good life at home,” said Lt. Steve Noonan, K9 supervisor.

Arko, Nikko and Jack have been on the force for seven years. The average time a dog spends on a police force is around five and a half years. Soon then they'll head to their new homes with their police handlers.

The police department is looking to bring in three new dogs to replace them.