Coast Guard dog retires after 10 years of service in New York

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Chief Camilla retired June 30, 2016, after a decade of service to the Coast Guard. (Coast Guard)

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - Members of the Coast Guard gathered on Staten Island this week to pay tribute to a dog for a decade of service to the nation.

Chief Camilla retired as Coast Guard explosives detection dog after 10 years with the Maritime Safety and Security Team New York. In that time, Chief Camilla worked 35 National Special Security events, the Coast Guard said. She was also the only Coast Guard dog to respond to the Boston Marathon bombing.

Chief Camilla was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal for her service.

"I am so honored to be standing next to my partner and best friend as she retires after 10 years of outstanding service," Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas Heinen, her handler, said in a statement. "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 and Chief Camilla are heading to the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Coast Guard held the retirement ceremony outdoors at Fort Wadsworth on Thursday, June 30.