Shaker Heights K9 Officer Dies

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — The Shaker Heights Police Department lost a valued member of its force — Bak, the K9 officer. The department announced Bak's passing on Facebook.

The K9 was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, the department said. The dog had suffered an unexpected sickness and was diagnosed with cancer at that time. Bak became too sick to continue his policing duties and passed away Dec. 19.

Bak came to Shaker Heights Police on April 12, 2012. He was paired with Officer Dave Emlaw.

"Since that time, K9 Bak not only excelled as an employee and partner, but also as a valued and loved member of the Emlaw family," the department said in its social media statement. "His drive and dedication for service included specialized work in narcotics and patrol activity, including apprehension of suspects and the recovery of discarded articles."

Bak and Emlaw also worked for the EDGE SWAT team and were loaned out to other communities when assistance was requested. The duo also worked hard to promote Shaker Heights as a community.

"Bak will always be remembered as a faithful and loving companion of the Emlaw family, and a dedicated and loyal partner with the Shaker Heights Police Department. Bak’s dedicated service and spirited contribution to our role as public servants will be greatly missed," the department said on Facebook.

Photo and graphics from Shaker Heights Police