By Police1 Staff
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, NJ — A New Jersey K-9 has been laid to rest just five days after retiring.
Sabre, who joined the Galloway Township’s police force in 2005, died of cancer Thursday after a long battle.
Sabre was a particularly special K-9 within the department, chosen often to interact with local children and to partake in demonstrations.
The Galloway Township Police Department released the following statement in regard to the beloved K-9’s passing:
It is with great sorrow and regret that The Galloway Township Police Department announces the passing of K-9 Sabre. K-9 Sabre passed peacefully today at the age of 7 1/2 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
K-9 Sabre began his career with The Galloway Township Police Department in 2005 after being personally selected by his partner, K-9 Officer Kevin Welsh. K-9 Sabre was the most popular member of Galloway’s K-9 Unit having participated in numerous K-9 demonstrations throughout the township.
K-9 Sabre is well known by all the children in Galloway especially those who graduated from Pomona Elementry School where K-9 Officer Welsh served as the C.O.P.S. 5 Officer.
K-9 Sabre served The Township of Galloway proudly, particularly through his role in narcotics investigations and locating suspects until his retirement in March of this year due to his illness.
Along with Sabre’s outstanding police work he also shined in the United States Police Canine Association Police Dog 1 Trials; most recently placing in the top 3 in the criminal apprehension phase of the competition in 2010.
While the efforts of K9 Sabre were evident and tangible, his untimely loss has most certainly left an intangible sorrow for the police department. The Galloway Township Police Department and the residents of Galloway owe K9 Sabre a great debt of gratitude for his devoted years of service.