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Police Dog Given 30-Car Convoy And Final Salute Before Being Euthanised

Police Dog Given 30-Car Convoy And Final Salute Before Being Euthanised

The dog had served in the force for eight-and-a-half-years but was suffering from bone cancer and blindness

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

The death of a beloved dog is hard to take, but the best thing you can do is make sure you give your pooch the send-off it deserves - and that's exactly what a police department in Pennsylvania, USA did.

Tazer had served on the Newberry Township Police force for eight-and-a-half years, as part of its K9 program, receiving two Medals of Valour, a Meritorious Service Medal and four Chief Commendations.

But the German Shephard's handler, Sergeant Chris Martinez, noticed Tazer wasn't his usual self on a recent shift and took him to the vet. Unfortunately, the dog wasn't suffering from a minor illness - he had a broken leg, bone cancer in both hind legs and two detached retinas, rendering him blind.

Indeed, the vet was astonished that he had been able to work at all.

According to the York Daily Record, he said: "He was not limping, he was not showing any indication he had bone cancer, and bone cancer hurts. But Tazer, true to his spirit, just continued to be Tazer."

Sergeant Martinez walks Tazer into the vets to be put down.
Facebook/Newberry Township Police

Subsequently, the difficult decision was taken to have Tazer put down on Wednesday - but not without giving him the final send-off he deserved first.

Around 30 cars parked up outside Hartman's Valley Green Veterinary Hospital, with the Associated Press reporting that around 70 officers were in attendance.

Sergeant Martinez then walked Tazer into the vets as officers saluted - one of whom was reduced to tears by the emotional moment.

One officer was reduced to tears during Tazer's send off.
Newberry Township Police

Indeed, the vet himself, Dr Lewis Hartman, got emotional when speaking to the York Daily Record about the send off.

He said: "The overwhelming respect that all these police officers from all these different departments showed... It was very much a traditional police ceremony.

"The fact that Tazer walked right alongside Officer Martinez, through the corridor into the exam room... It was incredible the level of Tazer's strength, stamina, spirit.

"For him to walk when he had bone cancer in both rear legs, that was incredible."

The force showed the utmost respect for Tazer as he was put to rest.
Newberry Township Police

Prior to being put to rest, Tazer was fed his favourite meal, comprised of 'chicken treats', and his end-of-watch announcement was made over the police radio.

In a tribute shared on their Facebook page, Newberry Township Police said: "It is with heavy and sad hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved K9 Officer Tazer.

"K9 Tazer's health recently deteriorated to the point that he had to be laid to rest today.

"Throughout his eight-and-a-half year career with his handler, Sgt. Christopher Martinez, K9 Tazer successfully specialised in patrol, narcotics detection, and tracking. K9 Tazer assisted numerous agencies across central PA and was the recipient of two Medals of Valor, a Meritorious Service Medal, and four Chief Commendations.

"K9 Tazer was a true warrior to the very end and will be missed by many. We would like to thank K9 Tazer for his dedicated and selfless service to the residents of Newberry Township and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

"Rest in Peace K9 Tazer."

What a fitting send-off for a real good boy.

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Newberry Township Police

Topics: Police, Dog, News, US News, Animals