Friday, February 25, 2005

After dedicated service, New Durham's K-9 succumbs to cancer

By JOHN QUINN
Democrat Staff Writer
jquinn@fosters.com

In this 1999 file photo, Tank, a working police dog with the New Durham Police Department, sits atop a police cruiser with the three trophies won at the U.S. Canine Association. Region 4 Trials. Tank died on Feb. 2. Democrat file photo

NEW DURHAM - Police Chief Shawn Bernier said the department feels the loss of their recently retired K-9 Tank, a 10-year-old Rottweiller, who died Feb. 2 and leaves a legacy of dedicated service behind.

Bernier said Tank, who served with him as the department's police dog for eight years, was put down at Broadview Animal Hospital in Rochester after being diagnosed with cancer.

"We lost another one for the department," Bernier said. "When you have a dog for that long serving and protecting you it's not a house pet, he's a partner."

Bernier said Tank found 26 people and helped lead to the arrest of 17 others in his eight-year tenure with the department. He added his efforts led to a major drug forfeiture which helped pay for six new handguns, a new door opener and training equipment.

Bernier said Tank was enjoying his retirement spending time playing with the Bernier's and Louie, a one-year-old German Shepherd, who joined the department in September and took over Nov. 1.

"Tank lives through Louie now he's wearing his collar and that's how I'm remembering him now," Bernier said. He added even Louie has noticed Tank's absence around the house since his playful companion is gone.

Louie made his first arrest Jan. 27 after tracking down an Alton man who allegedly fled after being involved in an accident along Route 11.

Office Manager Katie Woods said Tank is the second police dog Bernier had to put down, adding Tank's father Bear also served on the department.

Bernier said the department will receive a memorial plaque with Tank's picture on it from the Working Dog Foundation which will be proudly displayed in the station next to Bear's.