Beloved Montgomery Township Police Dog Passes Away

A beloved K-9 member of the Montgomery Township Police Department passed away suddenly last week, police said.

Service dog Duke had been serving the police department since June of 2011, according to police.

The department was able to purchase him with a donation made by Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, police said.

“K-9 Duke was a very loyal partner, friend and family member,” the department said on their website.

Duke was attached to Officer Daniel Rose, and was certified in patrol operations and narcotics detection according to police.

Duke assisted with many arrests and drug seizures, but he was perhaps best known for his work in helping to catch a fugitive from New Jersey who was wanted in connection with an attempted murder of officers, police said.

Along with Rose, Duke was able to find about $2 million worth of heroin while they were arresting the suspect, according to police.

Both were honored at the 2014 Montgomery County Heroes Breakfast, police said.

In the wake of Duke’s passing, support flooded in from Montgomery Township, the surrounding community, and neighboring police dogs.

“Good boy, Duke,” Lansdale police wrote on their Facebook page. “Rest now. Your work is done.”