Two law enforcement agencies in Brevard County are morning the loss of a K-9 this weekend.
Palm Bay Police Department loses 6-year-old Idol
Idol, a 6-year-old German Shepherd with the Palm Bay Police Department, was put down Friday after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, the agency announced Saturday.
Idol was with the agency since 2010. He was partnered with officer Dan Ellis.
Idol survived life-threatening surgery earlier this year and was able to return to duties. Two weeks ago, he was diagnosed with an aggressive and terminal cancer, which caused him chronic and significant pain, the agency said in a news release.
"Idol was an excellent police dog and — while serving with Ellis — was responsible for capturing numerous felons and for locating drugs countless times," said Capt. Diana Blackledge, of the Palm Bay Police Department. "He was a beloved member of our pack and earned his place as our brother in law enforcement."
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office loses Buck
Meanwhile, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office lost a veteran of its K-9 unit when Buck died in his kennel at the Brevard County Sheriff's Office's corrections facility.
Buck died "peacefully" during the early morning hours of Friday, Oct. 24.
Buck was a member of the Sheriff's Office's corrections team for almost nine years. During his career, Buck was nominated for Tracking Dog of the Year during Florida's Missing Children week and responded to almost 100 calls for service to assist in various types of cases, including robberies, missing children, endangered adults, murders and fleeing suspects.
"Buck was a great dog who was loved by our team and family, and we greatly appreciate his service to our agency," Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey posted to the agency's Facebook.