Avondale got its new sheriff – and this one is a cold-blooded one.

The Avondale Police Department has given a serious promotion to a bearded dragon lizard named Iroh.

According to the police department’s Facebook post, Iroh was officially sworn in and given a badge by the department’s police chief.

The promotion is not a spoon fed. Iroh rise to power began in April last year, when the APD started a program to see if lizards could be taught to sniff out drugs like dogs can.

"Research has shown that reptiles possess a strong sense of smell making their ability to detect certain illicit drugs, possibly more accurate than K9s," the APD wrote in a Facebook post announcing the program. "Our pilot program drug sniffing bearded dragon will be assisting Officers in the City. Please help us welcome Iroh!"

Actually, it was all an April Fool’s gag that got viral. Instead of calling the prank off on April 2, the police department continued to play this game. Officers posted photos of Iroh aiding officers and doing various tasks.

"Iroh has turned out to be a valuable member of the Avondale Police family," the APD posted on Facebook in February, along with a photo of the lizard on a department motorcycle and perched on a radar gun. "His skill set is so extensive that we have cross trained him in many areas ... Today he is keeping our streets safe running radar with Motors."

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