A depressing story....

Many a time I've heard of an officer dying within a year of retirement...not exactly a 30 year veteran but this still sucks....

Beloved NJ K-9 dies of cancer 5 days after retirement

Sabre was a particularly special K-9 within the department, chosen often to interact with local children and to partake in demonstrations

By PoliceOne 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...

....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....

RIP Sabre....