ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) Members of a northeast Kansas police department are mourning the loss of a four-legged colleague known for helping crack big cases and letting children pat his tummy.
KAIR-FM reports the Atchison Police Department’s tracking and narcotics detection dog Bear died Wednesday of a terminal medical condition. The department says Bear died surrounded by fellow officers, and a private memorial service is planned next week.
Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson said Bear came to the department in January 2008 and worked with Cpl. John Ross.
The dog assisted the biggest methamphetamine and high grade marijuana seizure in department history. He also helped track down and apprehend a dangerous felon.
But Bear was also known for being gentle with schoolchildren, sitting patiently while they patted his belly.
