K9 Judge and handler Sgt. Satterfield are starting training with an Ohio-certified facility, the Hilliard Division of Police announced on Sept. 1 to mark National Police K9 Day.

The department posted on X that it was recognizing K9 teams and handlers for their work keeping communities safe. The post singled out K9 Judge and Sgt. Satterfield, who are beginning work with Merry K9 Services, an Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC)-approved facility in Norwich, Ohio.

The department did not release details about K9 Judge's breed, age or specialty.

The announcement comes less than two months after the department retired K9 Max, a Belgian Malinois who served seven years with Hilliard police. Max was deployed 735 times, assisted in more than 500 seizure incidents and contributed to more than 450 arrests, according to the city of Hilliard. He also helped remove nearly five pounds of fentanyl and 3.5 pounds of methamphetamine from Hilliard streets.

"Max has been an invaluable part of our department … He's been a trusted partner and dedicated protector," Chief Michael Woods said in July when the department announced Max's retirement.

Max's handler, Officer Hunter Schweickart, joined the Hilliard Division of Police in 2014 as a patrol officer before becoming a K9 handler. Schweickart was inspired to pursue K9 work while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps aboard Marine One.

Schweickart was also recognized with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office STAR award on Nov. 5, 2025, for high ethics, good character and going above and beyond for residents.

"Working alongside Max has been one of the highlights of my career," Schweickart said in July upon Max's retirement. "His drive, intelligence, and loyalty made him an exceptional K9 and partner."

Max will spend retirement with Schweickart's family. K9 Judge and Sgt. Satterfield's training with Merry K9 Services is underway, though the department has not announced a timeline for completion.