Dying police dog given top honors at goodbye ceremony

In ceremonial farewell to a retired hero, a police dog was greeted with dozens of officers and veterinarians saluting his service before being put down.

ABC News reports that the West Deptford Police Department held the goodbye ceremony on Feb. 23 outside the Swedesboro Animal Hospital St. Francis Veterinary Clinic for the K-9, named Judge, after it was decided that he be euthanized due to unbearable medical complications. According to Cpl. Michael Franks, Judge had been suffering complications from Cushings Disease.

"Judge and I had such overwhelming and positive support that day," Franks told ABC News. "Though Judge was extremely lethargic and could barely walk the days before the ceremony, he was able to bite onto his favorite protective decoy arm sleeve used in training and carry it into the hospital."

Judge began his near seven-year career with the West Deptford Police Department in 2007. He helped with drug detection, tracking and the apprehension of suspects, Franks said, before being retired in 2013.

According to the West Deptford Police Department's Facebook post, 152 suspects were arrested for criminal offenses, countless drugs were seized, and over $47,000 were recovered from people involved in illegal activity thanks to Judge's service.

"It is with great sadness that the West Deptford Police Department says goodbye to K-9 Judge today," the department wrote on Facebook. "He was a true asset to our department and will be forever missed. RIP Judge, gone but never forgotten!"